This is a digital copy of a book that was preserved for generations on library shelves before it was carefully scanned by Google as part of a project to make the world's books discoverable online. It has survived long enough for the copyright to expire and the book to enter the public domain. A public domain book is one that was never subject to copyright or whose legal copyright term has expired. Whether a book is in the public domain may vary country to country. Public domain books are our gateways to the past, representing a wealth of history, culture and knowledge that's often difficult to discover. Marks, notations and other marginalia present in the original volume will appear in this file - a reminder of this book's long journey from the publisher to a library and finally to you. Usage guidelines Google is proud to partner with libraries to digitize public domain materials and make them widely accessible. Public domain books belong to the public and we are merely their custodians. Nevertheless, this work is expensive, so in order to keep providing this resource, we have taken steps to prevent abuse by commercial parties, including placing technical restrictions on automated querying. We also ask that you: + Make non-commercial use of the files We designed Google Book Search for use by individuals, and we request that you use these files for personal, non-commercial purposes. + Refrain from automated querying Do not send automated queries of any sort to Google's system: If you are conducting research on machine translation, optical character recognition or other areas where access to a large amount of text is helpful, please contact us. We encourage the use of public domain materials for these purposes and may be able to help. + Maintain attribution The Google "watermark" you see on each file is essential for informing people about this project and helping them find additional materials through Google Book Search. Please do not remove it. + Keep it legal Whatever your use, remember that you are responsible for ensuring that what you are doing is legal. Do not assume that just because we believe a book is in the public domain for users in the United States, that the work is also in the public domain for users in other countries. Whether a book is still in copyright varies from country to country, and we can't offer guidance on whether any specific use of any specific book is allowed. Please do not assume that a book's appearance in Google Book Search means it can be used in any manner anywhere in the world. Copyright infringement liability can be quite severe. About Google Book Search Google's mission is to organize the world's information and to make it universally accessible and useful. Google Book Search helps readers discover the world's books while helping authors and publishers reach new audiences. You can search through the full text of this book on the web at http : //books . google . com/| PRESENTED BY THE PUBLISHER r Digitized by Google DK Digitized by Google Digitized by Google Digitized by Google Digitized by Google SOVIET RUSSIA Official Organ of the Friends of Soviet Russia VOL. VI JANUARY-JUNE, 1922 Th^ present volume contains eleven issues, as appearances, still monthly in January, have been semi-monthly beginning with February, 1922, New York 201 West 13th Street, Room 31 1922 Digitized by Google ILLUSTRATIONS Amter. Sadi. The Spectre That Moat Be Baniahed 281 Locoraothrea, Roaalan. Built In Sweden 32S Anti-Church Poatera 295 BfJaor Robart, Take Theaa. Mocker Yolfa.., 161 Art Objecta for Sale 294 Nekraaaor, N. A., Portrait 151 Bahnc, Solcia, The Blockade and lu Victima 217 Odin» Steamer, with Cargo of Locomotivea 324 Coal Mine Near Cheliabinak 225 Remember the Starring 73 Deni, Fleeing Before Death 137 Sheridan. Clare, Buat of Lenin 146 Educational Poater 193 Buat of Trotaky 123 Cellert. Hugo, Chicherin 249 Surface Coal Mine near Cheliabinak 260 Soviet Rnaala at Genoa 313 SUrriag Children 55 Vlgnettea 42. U, 45. 47. 48, 50. 63 Ural Factory Workcra , 226 Genoa Tea Party 327 Zdanorich, Kldl: Famine'a Family Life 41 Korolenko, Vladimir. Portrait 80 Will Help Come? 105 Digitized by Google Index to Volume VI: January-June 1922 The numerals indicate page number$. Autk ors of articles and designers of posters appearing in Soviet Russia are printed in small caps. Titles of articles are in italics. Abolwhing the ExtraordiiMrT CommiMion, 2S4 AfTeementB with Relief Organisations, 22 Agriculimral Relief Unit, by H. M. Ware, 292 AUpayer Aabestoa Mine*. 70 AmflricaB Federated Russian Famine Relief Com- Committee, Relief Consifiimenta by. 125 Allied Drag and Chemical Company, concet« •ion to, see Alapayev Asbestos Mines, 70 Amiericma Raise f Administration, by A. Eiduk. 43 A. R. A. and Independent Relief Work, Edit3rlal on. 120 AicTKB, Sadi, The Spectre that must be Ban* iahed, corer deaign. 281 Armenian Territory, Present Outlines of, 64 Art ObJ€cU in Foreipt Mmrkeu, by Chuchin, 199 Art Under the Proletariat, by Jacques Mesnil, 227 Art Tendencies in Soviet Ruuia, by facques Mesnil, 266 Aabestoa Mines, Alapayev, 70 "Atroeitiee**, Bolshevik* Editorial on. 265 Austria, Political and Economic Treaty with, 26 ATCTcfaenko, Arkadyi, A Dozen Knives in the Back of the Revolution, reviewed, 71 B Bahi«c Soixia, The Blockade and its Victims. cover design, 217 Bakn: Oil Output. 1921, 37 Work of Wrangel Soldiers at, 164 Bank, Russian Sute, 180 Belginm, Negotiations with, 37 Berlin Relief Conference, 77 British Covemnent, Note by, to Kraasin, on recognition of debts. 32 Bodayev, Paul. The Red Labor Union of Food Workers irs Soviet Russia, reviewed, 134 BcKVAanr, N. Modes of Economic Organismtion, 194 Tke New Economic Policy of Soviet Russia, reviewed. 38 Canadian Committee to Save Russian ChiMren, Editorial on, 89 Ckmnge of Landmarks, The, reviewed, 39 Cg^T4, Thk : AboUtion of, 254 Th* Cheka, by Andre Moriset, 252 Chekhov, Anton, Reminiscences of, by Maxim Gorky, Alexander Kuprin, and I. A. Bunin, reviewed, 133 CmtCBMMm, Cbobci: A Year of Eastern Policy, 2 The Washington Conference, circalar note OB, to Powers. 11 Note to British Government on Recognition of Debts, 32 Note to Finland. 94 Finland's Complete Neutrality, note to the Finnish Covemraent, 131 Children's Relief, sutement by the American Committee for the Relief of Russian Children. 37 China. Note to. 186 Ctaxuns, F., Art Objects in Foreign Markets, 199 Chvrch Requisitions. Editorial on. 297 Church Treasures Used for Famine Relief. 294 Clothinc factory, A model, in Russia, 62 Cominerce and Industry, 34 Commercial Agreement with Italy, The. 58 Concesu ion a (see "Russian Natural Resources and Concessions"), 336 Contrihotions. F. S. R.. to Famine Relief. 101. 135, 159. 190, 209, 241. 274, 307. 340 D D^. EucKNX v.: Appeal to Help Russia, 166 Appeal for International Tool Drive. 306 Debts, Recognition of (Note of British Gov* emment), 32 Dkni, Fleeing Before Death, cover design, 137 Deutsch, Babette and Yarmolinsky, Avrahm, Modem Russian Poetry, reviewed. 134 Dostoyevsky, Fedor, by Kurt Eisner, 115 Economic Organisation, Modes of, by N. Bukha* rin, 194 Economic Policy, New, see articles on, 38, 224, 236. 290 Editorials: Aeroplane Photograph of Russian Soil. 89 Announcement, 20 A. R. A. and Independent Relief Work, The, 120 Bolshevik "Atrocities'*, 265 Bullitt, William C, on Russian Conditions, 176 Canadian Committee to Save Russian Chil* dren. 89 Church Requisitions, 297 Deaths of Noted Russians. 57 Dubrovsky accused of improper use of funds. 177 F. S. R. and U. S. Government. 57 F. S. R. Send Clothing to Russia, 121 German'Russian Cooperation. 297 German Version, A. of Hoover's accusations, 177 Genoa Memorandum, The, 296 Goldman, Emma, and the Soviet Govern* ment, 203 Gompers*. Mr.. Hysteria. 264 Hartmann. Dr.. accused of improper use of funds. 177 Hibben-Hoover Correspondence. Thr, 149 Hibben, Pazton, on Railway Transport, 176 Hughes, Secretary, and Russian "Debts". 264 Hundred Neediest Cases. 20 L' esprit gaulois, 264 Lloyd George's Historical Analogies. 328 "Materialism" and "Idealism", 329 National Civic Federation and F. S. R.. 88 New Proposal for Saving Russia. A. 121 ^^eie York Jimes and the Russians in Con- stantinople, 148 Peasant Heroiam. 328 Poincare stands on "Law and Honor", 328 Polish Government Interferes with Workers* Relief Action, 20 Rapallo Treaty. The, 232 Red Anti'Bolshevists, 203 Rural New Yorker, The, and Russian Relief, 89 RuasU Will Not Be Chinafied, 296 Russian Refugees, 121 "Sacred Principles", 330 Southern Bourbon. A, on Democracy, 329 Technical Aid to Soviet Russia, 149 Tlkhon, Archimandrite, on Emigres, 177 War, Trade and Piracy. 296 Washington Conference, Ths, 88 Wsshington's Underlying Motives, 296 Education in Russia, Summary of Work of Com- roissaritt for, 12 Educational Poster, A Russian, 193 Educational Inatitutions of Petrograd, 86 E. H.. Book Review by, 238 EisNn, Ktnrr, Fedor Dostoievsky. 115 Emigres, Editorial on, 121 Emigres, Archimandlte Tikhon on. Editorial, 177 England, Krassin'a Note to. 32 Entry of Foreigners Into Russia, Decree on, 25 Esthonia. Note to, 147 Events of 1921, Imporunt, 168 Exports of Northern Timber Trust, 1921. 36 Exports and Imports for September 192), 34 Extent of the Famine, 5 Extraordinary Commission, Abolishing the. 254 (see also "Cheka") Etduk. A., The American Relief Administration, 43 Famine, 5, 6, 20, 21, 37. 42, 43. 57. 69, 77, 88, 89, 96. 99, 101. 106, 108, 111. 113, 120, 121, 125, 132, 135. 141, 149, 157, 159, 166, 167, 169, 176, 177, 186. 188. 189, 190, 209, 231, 134. 238, 239. 241. 174, 292, 294, 296, 297, 302, 307, 316, 328, 338. 340. Famine Relief Fund, 21 Finland : Notes to, 94, 131 Aggression sgainst Karelia, 93 Fleet, Repair of River, 37 Food Workers in Soviet Russia (Book Review). 134 Foreign Office List, Russian, 187 Foreign Trade in 1921, Russia's, 65 Foreign Vessels in Russian Ports, Regulations by Council of People's Commissars, 25 j Foreigners, Entry of, into Russia, 25 France : Editorials on, 264, 328 Russo-French Relations, 157 Trade with, 37 Friends of Soviet Russia, The: Account of recent activitiea, 21 Agricultural relief unit, 292 Appeal for international tool drive, 344 Branch activities, 238 Endorsed by central labor bodies, 231 FinancUl sUtemenU of. 99, 157, 239, 338 Forward clothing to Russia, 121 Literature announcements, 132 National Office notes, 69, 96, 188 Relief Consignments. 125 Relief eontribuUons. 101. 135, 159. 190. 209, 241, 174, 307, 340 Sending Gothing to Russia, Editorial on. 121 and U. S. Government. Editorial on, 57 GsLUurr, Huco: Illustrations. 42, 44. 45, 47, 48. 50. 63 Chicherin. cover design. 249 Soviet Russia at Genoa, cover design, 313 Genoa Conference, The: England and Genoa, by M. Phillips Price, 162 Genoa Tea Party, cartoon, 327 Grave Danger Averted, cartoon, 327 Memorandum of the Ruasian Delegation to, 296 Memorandum, Editorial on. 296 Our Stand at Genoa, by N. Lenin. 218 Rapallo Treaty, Ths, 232 Soviet Russia and Genoa, by Karl Radek, 138 Soviet Ruuia's Fight for Socialism, by Karl Radek, 314 Soviet Russia and Genoa, cover design, 313 Supplements to the memorandum, 320 German Russian Cooperation, Editorial on. 297 Germany. Official reception of Soviet repre* senUtive, Krestinsky, 33 Goldman, Emma, versus Soviet Russia, Editorial on, 203 Gompers* Attitude Toward Russis. Editorial on, 264 Gorky, Maxim : Reminiscences of L. N. Tolstoy, reviewed, 109 Reminiscences of Anton Chekhov, reviewed, 133 Great Britain's Famine Record, 186 H Harrison, Marguerite, Marooned in Moscow. reviewed, 71 Harvest, Next Year's, in the fsmlne srea. 6 Hblucr, a. a. : Russian Trade Realities, 259 The New Constructive Phase in Russia, 224 Russian Natural Resources and Concessions, 336 HiaaxN. Paxton: The Famine and the Foreign Powers, 108 Propaganda Ageinst Relief, III Digitized by Google Exchange of Letters with SecreUry Hoever, 141 Hoover's View on Russian Transportation^ 234 and Mr. Lippraann, 302 Hoover Correspondence, Editorial on, 149 on RAilway Transport, Editorial on, 176 HocLUND, Zbth, Soviet Russia and Sweden, 198 Hoovn, HKRBurr, Exchange of Letters with Capt. Hibben. 141 How the Soviet Government Works: 1. The All'Raasian Central Executive Com- mittee. 30 II. The Council of People's Commissars. 60 III. The Council of Labor and Defence. 90 rV. The All-Russian Congress of Soviets, 118 V. Local Soviet Congresses, 145 VI. Town SovieU. 261 Hughes. Secreury. on Russian *'Debu", Editor. iai on, 264 Hundred Neediest Cases, Editorial on, 20 Immigration into Russia: Appeal to Russian Workers in America, by the Society for Technical Aid to Soviet Russia, 19 • Communication by A. A. Heller. 19 , Industrial Immigration. 67 ImporUnt Events of 1921. 168 Imports and Exports for September, 1921, 34 Imports. Recent, 37 Industrial Immigratioo to Soviet Russia, 67 Industries of Petrograd, 86 Intellectuals and the Russian Revolution, 38 International Tool Collection Week, 273 luly. Commercial agreement with, 58 Japan : and the Russian Far East, by Max Stryp- yansky, 126 The Jsps in Siberia, reviewed. 237 J. R. M.. book reviews by, 38. 39. 40, 72. 134 J. W. H. Book reviews by. 134. 189. 237 K Karelia. Finnish aggression against, 93 KoLLONTAi, ALKXANtTRA. Peasant and Working Women in Soviet Russia, 27 Korolrnko, Vladimir, article on. by Rosa Lux* emburg, 79 KiussiN. L.. Note to England. 32 Krcstianky. Soviet representative in Germany, Official reception of, 33 Kuibas: An Opportunity for Engineers and Workers, reviewed, 133 Last Summer's Anti-Soviet Plot, 81 Leather Industry. The, 36 Lebedev, N., Die Textilarbeiter in Sowiet- Russland, reviewed, 189 Lknin, N. : Book review by, 71 Correspondence with Charles Stcinmetx, 326 Meaning of the Agricultural Tax, reviewed, 38 Our Stand at Genoa, 218 LcoNm : Is Russia Turning Capitalist? 236 Resulu of the New Economic Policy, 290 Lippmann, Walter, and Paxton Hibben, 302 Lloyd George's Historical Analogies, Editorial on, 328 Locomotives, Russian, Built in Sweden, illus> tration, 32S LuNACHABSKT. A., NikoUi Nekrassov, 150, 178 LuxKMBUBc, Rosa, Vladimir Korolenko, 79 M "MateriaUsm" and "Idealism", EditorUl in, 329 Memorandum of the Russian Delegation to the Genoa Conference, 296 M. H., book reviews by, 71, 96. 134, 189 Mksicil, Jacqvss : Art Under the Proletariat, 227 Art Tendencies in Soviet Russia, 266 MiN«B, Robot : Take Them, Mother Volga, cover design. 161 Model Clothing Factory in Russia, A, 62 Mongolia and Soviet Ruasia, 24 MoBiziT. Amdbb, The Cheka, 252 Music, Orienul, Study of, 132 N Nanssn, Fhiotjw: What Can We Do For Russia? 42 Through Siberia, the Land of the Future, reviewed, 237 Nesotiations with Belgium, 37 Nekrauov, Nikolai : The Salt Song, 117 article on, by Lunacharsky, 150, 178 Next Year's Harvest in the Famine Area. 6 New Economic Policy, by N. Bukharin, reviewed, 38 see Heller's: New Constructive Phase, 224 see also 236, 290 New Land, The: A story from the famine region, 316 New Policy of Rmsian Trade Unions. The, 174 Ninth Soviet Congress, on the Famine, 106 O Occupational Sutistics of Petrograd, 86 Odin, the Steamer, with cargo of locomotives, illustration, 324 Oil: Baku Oil Output. 1921, 37 Work of Wrangel Soldiers at, 164 OrienUl Music, Study of, 132 Paikkm, Alkxandeb K.. Note to Chins, 186 Paper, Production of, 40 Pascal, Pikbbe. The Ethical Revolution, 8, 50 Peasant and Working Women in Russia, by A. KoUontai, 27 Peasant Heroism, Editorial on, 328 Pcllbtikb, Robbbt. Allies of the Russian Famine, 169 Petrograd in 1920, 86 Piracy, Trade, and War. editorial o^, 294 Poetry, Modem Russian, 134 Poincare Sunds on 'l^sw and Honor". 328 PoKBOVSKT, Professor, Interview with, on Science in. Sor^ Russia 202 Polish Government interferes with Workers' Relief Action. Editorial on, 20 Poslgate, R. W.. Revolution from 1789-1906, reviewed, 98 Preliminary Agreement between Russia and Sweden, 207 Price, M. Phillips, Englmd and Genoa, 162 Purcliases for Famine Relief. 35 Purchases in England, 1^)21, 34 R Radek, Kabl: • A Necessary Declaration, 263 Soviet Russia and Genoa, 138 Soviet Russia's Fight for Socialism, 314 Railway Commission, Russian, abroad, 282 Railroad Material Ordered Abroad, 323 Rapallo Treaty, The, Editorial on, 232 Recognition of the debts. Note of British Gov- ernment to Krassin, and the reply of Soviet Government, 32 Red Anti-Bolshevists. 203 Red Cross, Recognition of Soviet Russian, 33 Refugees, Russian, Editorial on. 121 R I' lief Consignments, Our. 125 Relief Organixatians. Agreements with, 22 Remember the Starving, cover design, 73 Repair of River Fleet, 37 RepresenUtive of Soviet Russia in Germany, Official reception of, 33 Russia: Area and Population, 271 Russian Famine, The, reviewed, 189 Natural Resources and Concessions, by A. A. Heller, 336 Russia's Foreign Trade in 1921, 65 Russo-French Relations, 157 Rutgers. S. J., The Intellectuals and the Russian Revolution, reviewed, 38 Ryabov, I. J., Production of Paper from Flax- Refuse, reviewed, 40 "Sacred Pilndplea", Editorial on, 330 SAootn., jACQina, Capt, Letter to Petit Parisien, 2S1 Sale of Russian Produce in England, 1921, 35 Saba, Hknby, My Impressions of Russia, 167 Science in Soviet Riusia, 15, 202 Sea Transport, 1921, 132 Skrcb, Victob, Newspapers in Soviet Russia, 318: SBacxYBV, A.. "He Survived Three Tsars", 175 Shbinman. a. L.. The Russian State Bank, 180 ^ucBiDAit, Clabb: BuBt of Trotsky, reproduction, 123 Bust of Lenin, reproduction, 146 Siberia. 126, 237 Skobblbv, M.. The Russian RaUway CommUsion Abroad, 282 Sroena Vekh, reviewed, 39 "Social Revolutionists" and. Soviet Russia, 203 SosNOvsKY. L., "Rasseya", 183, 200 Soviet Congress, Ninth, and Famine. 106 Southern Bourbon, A, on Democracy, Editorial on, 329 Sute Salaries Go to Russian Relief, 307 Steinmetx, Charles, correspondence with Lenin> 326 Stbpnlak: Underground Russia, 255 From Propaganda to Terrorism, 287 Revolutionary Portraits, 331 STBTPLUfSKY, Maz, /«p«ii and the Russian Far East, 126 Sukachev, V. N., Prof., An excursion to a Peat- Bog, reviewed, 72 Supplements to the Genoa Memorandum, 320 Sweden : Soviet Russia and Sweden, by Zeth Hog* lund. 196 Preliminary Agreement between Soviet Rus- sia and, 207 Teachers of All Countries, To the, Appeal of Third -All-Russian Congress of Trade Union of educational workers, 165 Technical Aid to Soviet Russia, Editorial on. 149 Textile Workers in Russia (Book Review), 189 Theatres of Petrograf, 87 Timber Trust, Exporu of Northern, 36 TiMouAzcv, A.. PBor., Researches in Pw Physics, IS Tool Drive. Appeal for International, 306 Trade. Russia's Foreign, in 1921, 65 Trade with France, 37 Trade Realities, RussUn, by A. A. Heller, 259 Trade Uniona. The New Policy of Rusaian, 174 Treaty with Austria, Political and Economic, 26 Tbotsby, Leon : The New Provocation, 56 ike Changed World Situation, 74, 122, 153 170, 195 The Defamers of Soviet Russia, 250 TtRCEMiEv, Ivan, The Cabbage Soup, 182 V VcmpIs, Foreign, in Russian Ports. 25 Vital Ststistics of Petrograd. 86 W War. Txade and Piracy. Editorial on. 296 Wabb. H. M.. Our Agricultural Relief Unit, 292 Washington Conference, The : Circular note on. to Powers. 11 Protest against discussion of Chinese Eastern Railway by. 21 Editorial on. 88 Waahington's Underlying Motives, Editorial on,. 296 White Guard* RepenUnt, 17 Whitbhbad, Eikub. T. : The Berlin Relief Conference, 77 Famine Relief by the Workers, 113 Wireless Telegraphy and Telephony. 14 Women, Peasant and Working, in Russia, by A. KoUontai, 27 Working Girls Raise 13,400, 231 Work of Wrangel Soldiers at Baku, 164 Workers* Clubs in Petrograd, 87 Workers' ReUef. 37 Wrsngel Soldiers' Work at Baku. 164 ZoANoncH, Kna t Famine's Family Life, prise poster, 41 WUl Help come? drawing. 105 Digitized by Google SOVIET RUSSIA Twenty-five Cents January, 1922 Vol. VI, No, 1 The Washington Conference A Note from Moscow A Year of Eastern Policy By Chicherin The Famine and the Next Harvest An Official Survey Russia and Mongolia A Treaty TABLE OF CONTENTS A Yeab of Eastern Policy, by George Chicherin 2 Agreements with Relief Organizations 22 The Extent of the Famine 5 Mongolia and Soviet Russia {A Treaty) 24 ^exT YcAR*s Harvest in the Famine Area 6 Foreigners and Foreign Vessels 25 Fbc Ethical Revoluhon, by Pierre Pascal 8 Treaty with Austria ^. 26 The Washington Conference, by Chicherin 11 Peasant and Working Women, by A, KoUontai., 27 Eddcation in Russia 12 How the Soviet Government Works: I. The All- WiBCLCSS Telegraphy and TeLephpny 14 Russian Central Executive Committee 30 Researches in Pure Physics, by A, Timiryazev., 15 The Recognition of the Debts White Guards Repentant 17 (Russo-English Notes) 32 IjfDOSTRiAL Immigration to Russia 19 Commerce and Industry 34 Editorials 20 Books Reviewed 38 ll^atiUr at 110 W. 40th St.. New York. Kenneth Dunnt. Publisher. Jacob Wittmer Uartmann, Editor. Subscription IUt«, t2.S0 per £ni«red m soeoad-clMs maitcr Jsooarv 29, 19:21, at the Post OSce st^^^r fork, N. Y., un«}er the Act 9f March 3, 1879. Digitized by Google A Year of Eastern Policy By G. Chicherin, Commissar of Foreign Affairs. From Pravda, November 6, 1921 T^HE last year, from November, 1920 to Novem- •■• ber, 1921, shows a considerable strengthen- ing of the national movement of the oriental peo- ples who are striving for complete political and economic independence. The history of all eastern states during this period oflFers the picture of an unceasing and continually closer approach to Soviet Russia, which has met with complete sympathy the eflForts of the people of the East to strengthen and extend their economic and political life. Negotiations between Soviet Russia and Nation- alist Turkey began in 1920. The delegation of the Turkish National Assembly left Moscow in the autumn of 1920 to report to their government Upmal, the secretary of our mission, was the first to arrive in Angora, on November 6. At that time the relations between Turkey and Russia were somewhat troubled, because the Turkish govern- ment would not permit a mediation of Russia be- tween Turkey and Armenia. The Turkish army of Kiasim Karabekir Pasha had occupied the line in front of Erivan after a victory over the troops of the counter-revolutionary Armenian Dashnak Government After the proclamation of the Armenian Soviet Government, Turkey had con- cluded a peace with the Dashnak Government in Alexandropol, on December 2, which contained extremely severe conditions for Armenia and brought the whole country into dependence upon Turkey. This treaty was not recognized by the Armenian Soviet Government nor by the allied Soviet Republics, and its alteration constituted the subject of negotiations between Russia and Turkey. At the same time, however, the negotia- tions for a political agreement between the two states were also continued. But Turkey was also negotiating with the Entente states. The first months of 1921 were filled up with these parallel negotiations. The Turkish delegations in London from Constantinople and Angora demanded without success that an alteration should be made in the treaty of Sevres* which had made impossible any development of the Turkish people. On March 7, Bekir Sami Bey, the chairman of the Turkish delegation in London, concluded an agreement with France, under which the French were to withdraw from Cilicia. However, this agreement cost Turkey great concessions. On March 13 he concluded a similar agreement with Italy. In April both of these agreements were annulled by the Turkish National Assembly and Bekir Sami Bey resigned from his post as Minister for Foreign Affairs. In the meantime, however, the Turkish Ambas- sador Ali Fuad Pasha and the Turkish peace dele- gation, with Jussuf Kemal Bey at the head, arrived in Moscow on February 2. On March 16 a treaty was concluded in Moscow which strengthened the friendly relations between the two countries and gave them a firm basis.* * Batum was left to Georgia, Kars, Ardagan and Arvin passed into the possession of Turkey. On May 3 Nazerenus was named Ambassador of the R. S. F. S. R. in Angora. His arrival in Angora facilitated the solution of the conflict in connection with the oppression to which the Russian population of the district of Kars was exposed. Turkey Aids Famine Work Recent months have been marked by the severe famine in Russia, in combating which the Turk- ish government has taken part by contributing grain and food for the famine district During these months the Turkish people had to suflFer the severe trial of the Greek offensive. Greece, which had received great support in money and munitions from the Entente, was able to send an army against Turkey much more numerous than the Turkish troops. Thanks to the heroism of the Turkish troops, Mustapha Kemal succeeded in administering a decisive defeat to the Greek army on the River Sakaria not far from Angora and forced them well back to the west. On October 20 the negotiations began between Turkey and Frank- lin-Bouillon, who had arrived in Angora, which led to an agreement by which Turkish troops must evacuate Cilicia. In a very serious moment for Turkey, during the Greek offensive, the Ukrainian Soviet Govern- ment proposed to send Comrade Frunse to Angora as a delegate of the Ukrainian Soviet Republic, to negotiate the conclusion of a treaty between Turkey and Ukraine. Frunse is now on the way to Angora. The Moscow Treaty provides for the conclusion of treaties between Turkey and the Caucasian Soviet Republics. The conference of the representatives of Turkey, Russia and the three Caucasian Soviet republics began on September 26 in Kars and was concluded on October 10, with the signature of a treaty which regulated all disputed points between Turkey on the one hand and Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan on the other hand.*** Relations with Persia In Persia, the third anniversary of the October Revolution coincided with a radical alteration in the political relations to Soviet Russia. On October 22, 1920, the Central Committee of the Communist •The Peace Treaty between the Allied Powers and Turkey was signed at Sevres, near Paris, August 10, 1920. ••Full text in Soviet Russia, September, 1921. •••See page 4 this issue of Soviet Russia. ■_ \ Digitized b^^ Google January, 1922, SOVIET RUSSIA Party of Iran adopted the resolution that the revo- lution in Persia must still pass through the stage of the bourgeois revolution. An end was thus put to the efforts to introduce the Communist regime in Persia, which proceeded from the local Soviet Government in Gil j an. On October 25 the Ambassador of the Persian Govern- ment, Moscharevol Memalek, left Baku for Moscow, and there began negotiations for the conclusion of a treaty between the Russian and Persian Gov- ernments. Just at this time English diplomacy was making every effort to move Persia to submit to the Anglo-Persian treaty which had been concluded earlier by the government of Wossuk ul Dowles. On October 27 the Democratic cabinet of Mushir ed Dowles, who was an opponent of the Anglo- Persian treaty, refused the demand of the English that the Russian officers who were serving in the Persian Cossack government should be discharged and Mushir ed Dowles resigned. His successor Sepakhdar removed the Russian officers but could not bring himself to summon the Medshlis and submit the Anglo-Persian treaty to them for ratifi- cation, although he gave England the assurance that the treaty would soon be ratified. The extraordinarily favorable course which was taken by the negotiations in Moscow exercised the greatest influence upon the internal political life of Persia. On January 6 we received a telegram that the Persian Government was agreeable to the ap- pointment of Rothstein as Russian representative in Teheran. On January 23 Karakhan handed the Persian ambassador a note in which he explained the grounds which prevented the Republic of Azer- baijan from withdrawing its troops from Gil j an and which contained the statement that Azerbaijan would withdraw its troops immediately when the English should have left Persia. The anglophile Sepakhdar summoned the Medshlis for February 2, in order to put through the ratification of the Anglo-Persian treaty. But there was no ratification on February 2. On February 21 Teheran was captured by the Persian cossacks of Risa Kahn and the members of the Sepakhdar cabinet were ar- rested. On February 26 the new cabinet of Zia Eddin published a proclamation in which the Anglo- Persian treaty was annulled and a plan for domes- tic reform proposed. On the same day the Russian- Persian treaty was signed in Moscow, which signi- fied a radical liquidation of the former Tsarist policy towards Persia. Evacuation of Persia by the English On April 13 a radio from London announced that the evacuation of the English troops from northern Persia would be completed in the middle of May. At the same time as the evacuation of the English troops the evacuation of the troops of Azerbaijan began. On April 25 Rothstein, the representative of the R. S. F. S. R., arrived in in Teheran. In spite of the annulment of the Anglo-Persian treaty the cabinet of Zia Eddin pursued an anglo- phile policy and this led to his fall on May 24. On June 4 the new cabinet with Hawam es Sultaneh at the head had been formed. Zia Eddin went by motor car to the English in Bagdad. On June 22 the Medshlis (Persian National Assembly) was opened. But there was no more question of a ratification of the Anglo-Persian treaty. On July 13 the delectation of the Commissariat for Foreign Trade with Belgov at the head left for Persia. At this time the evacuation of the Soviet troops from Gil j an had already ended. The insurgents still maintained themselves there by their own power. The Persian Government charged the Government of Azerbaijan with sup- porting the insurgents in Gil j an. The Government of Azerbaijan denied this officially and the Persian consul in Baku expressed his official approval of the correctness of the attitude of the Government of Azerbaijan. After the withdrawal of the English troops from Persia the English instructors were removed dur- ing the ministry of Hawam es Sultaneh and on September 18 the English financial advisor left for England. In October the struggle between the leaders of the insurgents in Gil j an began, the majority of whom concluded peace with the Per- sian Government On October 30 the front in Gil j an was finally liquidated and those insurgents who did not wish to submit to the Persian Govern- ment went to Azerbaijan. The opening of the way to Persia over the northern provinces now eased the relations between Persia and Russia very much. The Persian Govern- ment in the same way as the Turkish has contribut- ed food for the hunger sufferers in the Volga District. Russia and Afghanistan In the relations between Russia and Afghanistan the conclusion of a treaty played the chief role during the whole of the past year. On September 1* a projected treaty was signed by Suriz, the Rus- sian representative, and the Afghan Government in Kabul. In the year 1921 an English mission under Henry Dobbs arrived in Kabul and pro- posed the conclusion of a treaty between England and Afghanistan. The English proposed to the Afghans that they should give no further aid to the inhabitants of Indfa, who were in continual revolt. On their side the English wished to grant material aid to Afghanistan and to make good all the losses it had suffered during the Anglo- Afghan war in 1919. In reply the Afghans made the demand for a plebiscite in the Indian districts along the frontier. On February 28 the Russian-Afghan treaty was approved by the Russian Government and the Afghan plenipotentiary in Moscow. In the spring of 1921 great domestic reforms began in Afghanistan, such as the codification of the laws, laws concerning the abolition of slaver) , •1920, apparently. Digitized by Google SOVIET RUSSIA January, 1922. creation of land laws, etc.. The Afghan Government is striving to develop industry and to raise the level of the culture of the country. During the following months Henry Dobbs con- tinued his struggle against the Russian-Afghan treaty. In spite of his efforts the exchange of rati- fications took place in Kabul. On July 16 Raskolnikov, the new representative of Russia, arrived in Kabul and was given an extraordinarily hearty reception. The Dobbs mission left Kabul in September and returned to London. In Bokhara and Khorasin (Khiva) a steady consolidation of the Soviet power was to be ob- served. On October 6, 1920, the first All-Bokharian Soviet Kurultai (Soviet congress) was summoned. On March 4 a treaty of alliance and an economic agreement was concluded between Russia and Bokhara. The second All-Bokharian Kurultai was opened on September 20, 1921. Soviet Russia carries on diplomatic relations also with the great Chinese Republic. On February 3 the Chinese Consul Tseng Kuang Ping arrived in Moscow. The Chinese Government had pro- nounced itself in principle in favor of the visit of a Soviet representative to Pekin. The details of this question have been examined during the whole of the recent period. On October 24 the Chinese Consul announced that his Government recognized the Russian Commercial Delegation and on the same day Paikes, the delegate of the Rus- sian Government, left for China. The Republic of the Far East had already re- sumed diplomatic relations with China in Septem- ber, 1920, when its representative Yurin arrived in Pekin. The Japanese at Vladivostok On May 26 a rising took place in Vladivostok, with Japanese help. With their aid the reaction- ary Merkulov government was set up. At the same time the White Guard leader Baron Ungern who held Mongolia and who was in close touch with Japan led his troops against the Republic of the Far East and against the troops of the Soviet Government The People's Revolutionary Government of Mongolia, which had been formed on Russian territory during the rule of Ungern in the former country, and had created a revolu- tionary army, carried on a struggle against the White Guards in close alliance with Soviet Russia and the Republic of the Far East The troops of these three powers defeated the troops of Ungern and captured Ugra, the capital. In July the revolutionary government of Mongolia requested Soviet Russia to leave its troops in Mongolia until the final liquidation of the danger from abroad. On August 10 the Soviet Govern- ment declared its willingness to meet this wish. On September 10 the Soviet Government declared its willingness to undertake the role of intermedi- ♦See text of Chicherin's message to Bodo, Mongolian Prime Minister and Minister of Foreign Affairs, Soviet Russia, December, 1921, page 259. ary between Mongolia and China.* On October 26, with the arrival of the Mongolian Delegation in Moscow, negotiations began for the conclusion of a treaty of a friendship between the two states.* * At the present moment there are still White Guard bands in the western districts of Mongolia, which is a huge territory. The struggle against them is being continued successfully. Negotiations with Japan For the first time since the November Revolution we had an opportunity for direct negotiations with Japan. On August 26 negotiations began in Dairen between the Republic of the Far East and Japan over the withdrawal of the Japanese troops from the Primoria district and the setting up of eco- nomic relations. The Republic of the Far East made the condition that a Russian representative should take part in these negotiations. The Japa- nese Government was prepared to enter into nego- tiations with the Russian Delegation on questions which interest both governments. On October 24 Markhlevski, the representative of the R. S. F. S. R., left to take part in the conference with Japan. Wherever we turn in Asia, a strengthening of the relations of the oriental states with Soviet Russia, or an important approach to friendship, is taking place. TTie peoples of the East recognize more and more that Soviet Russia is an unselfish friend, who sympathizes with their efforts for the deepening and strengthening of their independ- ent economic and political life. NEW TREATY WITH TURKEY ON March 16 of this year the Russian Soviet Government and the Turkish National Gov- ernment signed a treaty of peace, t With the sub- sequent establishment of the Soviet system in all the three Republics adjoining Turkey, i. e., Armenia, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, a clear political understanding between the Soviet Republics and Turkey became a matter of vital importance. With a view to such a setllement a conference was held at Kars in the middle of October, consisting of representatives of the three Caucasian Republics, Soviet Russia, and Turkey. The decisions of this conference, which constitute a new and important factor in the reconstruction of the Near East, have now been made public. One of the very first matters to be settled by the conference was the fixing of the frontier line be- tween Turkey and her Caucasian neighbors. In the extremely amicable spirit which characterized all the proceedings of the conference this problem presented no difficulties, and new frontiers were easily fixed. To put this decision on a permanent and firm basis the conference declared null and void all the treaties which had been previously concluded by former governments. A resolution I was also passed referring the questions of the 1 •♦See full text in this issue of Soviet Russia. t Published in full, Soviet Russia, September, 1921. Digitized by Google January, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA Straits and the Black Sea to a future conference of all the countries bordering on the Black Sea, with a proviso that in no circumstances may such a conference restrict the sovereignty of Turkey or endanger the safety of her capital, Constantinople. On the question of repatriation of prisoners be- tween Turkey and Armenia a definite arrangement was worked out, which was all the easier to secure as even before the Kars conference Turkey was already repatriating Armenian prisoners. A more difficult problem was that of repatriating Armenian refugees. The places to which these refugees wish to return have been laid waste by military operations, while on the other hand the existing conditions of transport in Armenia and Turkey provide additional difficulties for such re- patriation. It was therefore agreed that both parties will try to solve this problem within the six months following the date of the Kars Treaty. Among the economic matters dealt with by the conference, a special importance attaches to its decision on the future of the port of Batum. Turkey has renounced her sovereign rights over Batum in favor of Georgia, which, for her part, has grant- ed the Batum province the right of autonomous administration. Turkey's only economic advantage in Batum will be certain privileges for transit of goods going to or from the Turkish territory. An amicable agreement was also arrived at between Turkey and Georgia on the question of Turkish transport across Georgian territory (this being in some cases the shortest route between various parts of Turkey), as well as the right of the border pop- ulation to use the pastures across the frontier. To bring the Caucasian Republics and Turkey into closer economic relations it was decided that immediately after the signing of the treaty at Kara a special conference should be held at Tifiis to deal with this matter. It will thus be seen that the new treaty has not only removed the old differences which divided Turkey and her neighbors, but has actually cement- ed the friendly relations which sprang up naturally during the last few months. Nowhere, perhaps, will this bear more fruit than in the relations be- tween the Turkish and the Armenian peoples. The Extent of the Famine {A revised estimate published by the Russian Trade Delegation, London,) A LTHOUGH the most important regions afifected '^^ by the drought and the consequent famine are in the Volga area, the calamity has spread over a much greater territory of Soviet Russia. In addition to the Nizhni-Novgorod, Yekaterinburg, Perm, and Penza provinces, the Don area, the North Caucasus, and part of the Ukraine have also sufiFered considerably. Out of 99,867,000 acres of land under cultivation, with a population of 89,137,000 persons in European and Asiatic Rus- sia, there was a complete or partial failure of crops in . 32,000,000 acres, affecdng 25,889,000 persons. If we include the parts of the Ukraine which were afifected by the famine, the total is as much as 56,000,000 acres of land with a popu- lation of 37,210,000 persons. About forty per cent of the whole area under cultivation is afifected by the famine conditions. Where Most of the Suffering Is It is true that the Volga and Ural regions, with a population of about 25,000,000, are the chief sufferers, for there the failure of crops extended over a continuous stretch of territory, but the con- ditions in the other districts cannot be disregarded, affecting as they do the possibility of relief for the Volga area. On the one hand the available resources of the whole country are diminished and on the other it is almost impossible to send grain away from the provinces situated near the districts where there has been a failure of crops. The failure of crops in the Volga area was more sweeping, as the following table shows: Quantity of Toul Deficit or Province grain in requirements M^\iU\m \fM the province of grain Surplus Tons Tons Tons Astrakhan • • 25,866 80,008 — 54,142 Bashkir Republic . 128,923 210,193 — 81,270 Votiak Area. 181,083 157,138 + 23,945 Viatka 518,366 423,680 + 94,686 Kirghiz Republic . 221,250 376,898 155,648 Mari Area . 47,295 80,353 33,058 German Volga Commune 16,266 60,680 44,414 Samara .... 239,788 476,346 236,558 Saratov .... 338,968 583,723 244,755 Simbirsk . . , 1 artar 208,850 368,468 159,618 Republic . 329,566 540,853 211,287 Ufa 188,833 343,073 154,240 Tsaritsin . . . 223,350 236,112 12,762 Chuvash Area 100,466 126,636 26,170 Total 2,768,870 4,064,161 —1,295,291 Thus, except in the Votiak area and Viatka province, there is everywhere a deficit, which reaches the enormous total of 1,403,922 tons. The shortage for the whole area thus represents one third of the total requirements of the population. If we consider each district separately the condi — r tions are worse still. In the German Volga Com- mune, for instance, the shortage is two-third of the total requirements. Thus complete famine Digitized by Google SOVIET RUSSIA January, 1922. reigned there from October of this year. In Samara, Ufa, and other provinces, if we take the average, complete famine will only begin in D<;pember. It is, of course, clear that owing to unequal distribution of supplies the condition of the poorest section of the population is much Worse, and for them famine conditions began earlier. The Commissariat for Food is giving from its stores 250,000 tons for spring sowing and is pur- chasing another 166,700 tons for the same purpose. The Soviet Government is also to supply during the current year 200,000 tons of grain to various feeding institutions in the famine area. This is all in addition to the 400,000 tons of food the Government has to supply to the people whose maintenance normally falls on the State. Thus about sixty per cent of the total deficiency is sup- plied by the Soviet Government, while the remain- ing forty per cent will have to be obtained from other sources. But in reality more than that will be necessary, for we have to take into considera- tion the unequal distribution of grain amongst the peasantry. In addition to the quantities supplied by the Government, 33,000 tons of grain are needed each month to keep the people from death by hunger. So far all foreign relief organizations are supply- ing food to about 1,500,000 children; but these constitute only twenty per cent of the total number of starving children. The principal burden of supplying food to the other eighty per cent as well as to the adult population falls on the shoulders of the exhausted people of Russia. How- ever great their effort and sacrifice, millions will perish unless additional help is forthcoming from outside Russia. And this help must come at once, for the terrible effects of the famine are becoming more pronounced from day to day, with the ex- haustion of the scanty supplies obtained from the September harvest. Next Year's Harvest in the Famine Area {Statement issued by the Russian Trade Delegnlion, London.) O' iN the basis of the returns available from the famine provinces, the Soviet Government real- ized as early as July that it would be necessary to throw into the famine area 250,000 tons of seed for autumn sowing, in order to safeguard the crop of 1922. This quantity, of course, was not the total required for autumn sowing, which was estim- ated at 900,000 tons. But the available informa- tion indicated that, in the districts in which the crops had not been totally destroyed, there would be a certain quantity of grain available for sowing; the 250,000 tons to be supplied by the Soviet Gov- ernment was the estimated amount required for ' ^ the districts in which the crop had completely ,^v failed, or to make up the deficit in other districts. ^/ ' J^ ^Even with this help from outside, it was not anti- y^ "V cipated that the area sown this autumn could ex- ^ \- ceed sixty per cent of the area sown in 1920; but ' ^' even this reduced area, given normal wheather ^ conditions, could produce enough for the 1922 y requirements of the population in the famine X provinces. Thus the position would be safeguarded from the time of the 1922 harvest, even though the Volga provinces mipht not h<* ^Xa \o expor t any surplus. In order to achieve this result, all the Commis- sariats, under the general direction of the Famine Relief Commission of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee, concentrated on the sowing campaign in the famine area. The peasants were encouraged to prepare the ground, and from the early days of August the seed began to arrive and was distributed to those whose land was ready. Every assistance and encouragement was also given to the peasants in those districts where the crop was sufficient for seed, and they were induced to sow as much as possible. The results of the steady work carried out by the various Commis- sariats are now available, and are given in the table on page 7. From this it will be seen that over the whole of the famine provinces the area sown was nearly seventy-four per cent of the area sown in the autunm of 1920; while in six regions — Saratov province, the Chuvash area, Astrakhan, Tsaritsin, the German Volga Commune, and Uralsk — the area sown actually exceeded the 1920 figure. The column headed "area intended to be sown' needs explanation. ^The Soviet Government, after the disastrous years of 1918 and 1919» when the most fertile regions of Russia were in the hands of the invaders, and the area sown had dropped to less than half the pre-war level, had prepared estimates providing for the gradual increase in the area sown in 1920, 1921, and 1922. so as to restore the pre-war agricultural position^ The figures given in this column refer to these estimates for the 1921 autumn sowing. Comparison of this column with the column "area sown in 1920" will show that in practically every case the area under cultivation was to have been increased in 1921; and but for the drought this plan would have been ^ carried out In fact, over the whole of the famine provinces, only sixty-four per cent of the plan was carried out; and this marks the blow which the famine has dealt to the general economic ^ recovery of Russia. Prospective Consequences of the Drought The blow is a serious one, and the drought has set back the agricultural position of the Volga pro- vinces to the level of 1919, wiping out the recovery Digitized by Google January, 1922. SOVIETRUSSIA 7 made in 1920. At the same time, given good Good Rains Reported weather conditions, the result may not prove to be Generally speaking, the reporte indicate good 80 serious; for a good crop, even from the small ^^^^^ ^^ favorable weather conditions which have area sown, may provide enough surplus gram for -^ ^^^ ^^ 3 ^,d ^^^^ a large increase m the area sown m 1922 jj^g information given above deals only with the What are the prospecU of a good crop? Emment ^^^^ ^^^. ^^ ■ ^^^- gjin remains to Russian scientists fear that the drought of this ^ ^^^^ed out, and if it is possible to carry out the year is only part of a dry cycle, which may con- j program as successfully as the autumn tinue to affect large regions of Russia for two or J^^^^ ''^^ 1932 harvest in the famine provinces three more years. But on the other hand, the ^jn ^ aggured. measures which are being taken to improve the agricultural methods in the Volga provinces, and Grain Needed for Spring Sowing the improved facilities in the way of agricultural According to the estimate of the People's Com- machmery and implements, justify the hope that ^^^^^ f^^. Agriculture, 366,700 tons of grain will the resulto of a dry year will not agam be so ,^g ^^^^^ f^^ the 1922 spring sowing in the famine senous. , , , . . • area; 250,000 tons of grain are to be supplied Reports from some of the famine provinces on j^^^ ^^^^ gj^tg ^^g^^gg (^j^ini (he proceeds of October 20, mdicating the condiUon of the crops ^^^^ f^^j j^^j^ 83,300 tons are to be obtained by which had appeared above the ground, are sum- barter from other provinces, and the remainder marized m the following table. The resulte are ^m ^e bought abroad, probably in Sweden and given in the five grade system , m which two ^^e Baltic provinces. ArrangemenU have already means below average, three means good average, ,^g„ ^^^^ ^^ establish an improved organization four above average, five excellent. f^^ l^^.^! transport and distribution of the seed; Simbirsk 3.1 the grain available in Russia is already being Viatka 2.8 moved towards the famine area; and the experi- Ufa 3.5 cnce gained in the autumn sowing campaign will Tartar Republic 4.0 be fully ultilized when the time comes for the Tsarifsin 4.2 spring campaign. AREA SOWN IN THE FAMINE PROVINCES, AUTUMN 1921, COMPARED WITH ORIGINAL PROGRAM FOR 1921 AND WITH AUTUMN SOWING FOR 1920 Area Area Percentage Area Percentage of Name of province intended to actually of program sown in area sown com- be sown sown carried out 1920 pared with 1920 Acres Acres Acres Samara 2,160,000 1,152,443 53.0 1,429,920 80.5 Simbirsk 1,350,000 636,743 47.1 1,202,040 52.9 Saratov 2,700,000 2,430,000 90.0 2,072,520 117.2 Mari Area 377,881 200,277 53.0 367,200 54.5 Chuvash Area 472,119 393,840 83.4 373,680 105.3 Tartar Republic 2,594,400 969,734 37.3 2,284,470 42.4 Ufa 648,594 591,391 91.0 1,407,240 42.0 Viatka 1,952,739 1,472,850 75.0 1,857,610 79.2 Votiak Area 774,306 395,150 51.0 619,380 63.7 Astrakhan 129,165 130,950 101.4 51,570 253.9 Tsaritsin 1,078,029 869,175 80.6 776,790 111.8 German Volga Commune 621,000 372,600 60.0 351,270 106.0 Bashkir Republic 337,500 66,744 19.4 408,780 16.3 Uralsk 124,200 108,000 87.0 64,800 166.6 Total 15,322,933 9,789,897 63.9 13,267,270 73.8 >^, r AGENTS WANTED To lake subscriptions for Soviet Russia in all localities. They are easy to get at the low price of $2.50 a year. Liberal commission paid; no restriction as to territory. Write for particulars and sample copies. SOVIET RUSSIA 110 West 40th Street, New York, N. Y, Digitized by Google SOVIET RUSSIA January, 1922. The Ethical Revolution By Pierre Pascal COVIET Russia, deprived of almost all its grain *^ and of its mines, lacking its northern and southern provinces, cut oflf from Siberia, a pitiable trunk of a country, a prey to cold and hunger,^ attacked by all the bandits of both hemispheres, has nevertheless been able to hold out for four years, has carried off the victory and may now look with calm assurance into the future. This is the tremendous accomplishment whose causes must be steadfastly kept in mind by the proletarians of the" West. To be sure, it is a miracle of negative nature, for while it is a mighty consummation to have held off savage hordes and wild beasts, to have defended one's life against them, it is neces- isary also to make use of life for some purpose. ]I might point out all the things that the Russian proletariat has undertaken in order to repair the damage of the war, in order to utilize the ruins of j capitalism which collapsed under its blows, ir order to erect on these ruins the new and rational structure of labor. The political authority, thj administration, the army, production, transporta- tion, distribution, relations between individuals, in a word, all the social functions have again been restored, but on a new basis, with an entirely new content, demanding the highest level of perfection reached by man. The bourgeois state has been succeeded by the Proletarian state. Already it exists, already it works; its successes are daily growing. This state puts railroads in motion, develops the natural resources of the country, ad- ministers the laws, spreads knoweldge — better today than under the old regime — and all this it does, not in the interest of a minority of profiteers, but in that of the workers, who constitute the vas( majority of the population. Ethical Accomplishments of the Revolution But the Proletarian-Communistic State has achieved other equally valuable results, even though they be not so striking as the above. The calm analysis of material conditions, historic material- ism, which forms the basis of the philosophy and politics of scientific socialism, by no means makes I the Russian Marxist forget that the final purpose always is man, to be sure man in his social rela- Uions, but always man. Marxism differs from the other so-called humanist teachings not by the fact — as is generally believed — that it denies all ethic- al, spiritual or moral vaues, in order to drop back into materialism as vulgarly understood, but by the fact that its rational materialism permits it to reckon with all the facts, to assign to each its appropriate place. Other teachings, on the other hand, devoid of all material foundation, lose them- selves in the mists of sentimentalism, of spiritual- ism, or moralism. Instead of considering the facts, they forget or falsify them by approximating them to absolute ideals. The individual is an abstrac- tion having as little real existence as has society when considered without reference to its members. V^arxism is just as far removed from making of "society" an entity, a transcendental and invisible thing, as it is from imagining an absolute individu- al, a monad, that could be considered as self- existing and self-important It always considers together both society and the persons creating it, the persons active in society. Therefore, even ftEough the material circumstances and the economic situation may be the basis of all things, the ethical factors arising from this basis are not overlooked. What a lesson it must be for the pseudo-Marxists, for those superficial spirits who find contradiction everywhere because they are not capable of grasp- ing inner realities, what a lesson it is for calumniat- ors who find in Communism merely a doctrine of barbarism and of the grossest materialism, denying all human values, when they behold a Bukharin, the mightiest theoretician of Communism, the cold- est, in a word, the "most unsentimental", praise in the following words Professor Sternberg, the itronomer, who died last February while serving a revolutionary military adviser on the western front: "As a man Sternberg was a distinguished soul, a warmly feeling heart, such as there are few. The imposing exterior of a Scandinavian divinity concealed a tender spirit, a profound, penetrating humanity, such as is rarelv met with." {Pravda, February 3, 1920). And tnese lines were written by one of the worst Bolsheviks! He underlines the word "humanity". In another passage, he emphasizes the "enthusiasm" with which Sternberg devoted himself both to the fight on the barricades and to his science. Yanishev, who fell on the front, was called a "saint" by Bukharin, who de- scribed his moral superiority as so great that all his comrades, during his long banishment in America, sought his counsel in their most intimate affairs. (Pravda^ July 14, 1920).* Is it necessary for us to allude again to Lunacharsky, who in hundreds of articles and manifestoes speaks again and again of the new humanity, in which all the precious things of the old idea are to be fused with the still greater values of the proletarian idea, in order to elevate the capabilities and the wordi of man to a level hitherto unknown? Why should Remain Rolland say, in a fine article in the Berlin Forum, that "the orthodox Marxists de- spise enthusiasm?" Political economy and enthus- iasm are by no means contradictory concepts. ~s the worker who voluntarily works overtime with- ut pay, who bums with zeal to do his duty, to do en more than is necessary, because his duty to the •For an interesting account of G)mrade Yanishev, sea ••Through the Russian Revolution" by Albert Rhys Wil- liams; Boni and Livcrighi, New York, 1921, pp. 41, 292. Digitized by Google January, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA proletariat requires it, is he any the less good a Communist? . Is a soldier on the rack of hie White torturers a less good Communist if he pronounces in dying the words: "It is sweet to die for Communism"?) Communism contains an ethical program, even though it be inexpressed: the abolition of classes and of economic inequality, the realization in each individual of the ideal of humanity, the conscious inclusion as an active member of the community of each worker, the development of the necessary qtialities, honesty, frankness, unselfishness, per- severance, energy, courage, love of work and strug- gle, fidelity, devotion, heroism, all these in the highest degree in all fields, all moments, in spite of all obstacles. Is this not to be considered an ethical program? The Communists in Life Thousands, tens of thousands, of Communists are the living evidence of this program. The story of their lives would make a magnificent symposium. You would behold in it People's Commissars who, although they have been laboring for years, grant themselves not more than four or five hours of sleep at night; military commissars who call out as diey die: "And I still had so much work to| do!"; agitators and theoreticians rushing from meeting at which they have just spoken to important political conference, and then sittinj^ down in their offices to write an article, and then] when they have reached their little hotel room at night, devoting themselves to the writing of a book on political economy. You would see soldiers and leaders of the great Communist army, when the word of command is issued, leaving not their comfort, their homes, their families — for from these fetters the creators of the new world have long freed themselves — but their immediate task, in order to substitute another task for it, to go, if they are soldiers, to an endangered front, or, if they are workers, to a demoralized factory, or, if (hey are commissars, to a rebellious region, or as representatives of the Soviet State abroad, or as food commissars into the provinces; everywhere they bear with them organization, energy, justice and life; everywhere it is their duty to set an ex- ample, to work more and better than the others; and they are censured and considered worthy of censure if they accomplish only a normal day's work. There are thousands and tens of thousands of this stamp, and hundreds of thousands are being trained in this spirit. "Inertia of the soul may find no place in the Communist Party. Heroism, determination, discip- line, all this must be found in the party of the proletariat" I take these words from the Petrograd Pravda of August 19, 1920. I have selected them at random, out of a thousand similar sentiments. Where is there any other political party, particu- larly a political party in power, that ever made such demands as these? These men usually meet with an untimely death, brought about by exhaus- tion or by a bullet on the battlefield, in the prisons or on the rack of their White enemies; and yet the Communists are happy if they know that their work is being continued; they feel themselves to be a part of a great class, and that the zeal which consumes them will bear fruit; after them there will live the reborn Russia, the reborn world. The ethical program of which their lives are an example will penetrate into the masses, will transform a whole people and will cause men to grow where formerly Uiere were .only subjects. The ethical \ advance recorded in Soviet Russia is an unde- I niable fact. But we must look at it from close I at hand, for it is less obviously striking than the miracle of which I spoke in the beginning of this paper, than the military triumph or the economic success that has been achieved in spite of all the obstacles encountered. This advance cannot be detected from a distance, nor can it be detected at first glance. Delegations, or journalists, may spend weeks in Russia without noticing it. It is not sufficient here to make a comparison with the West; Russia must be compared with itself; the Russian people of 1920 must be compared with the Russian people of 1917. We must remember that the man who is today Chairman of a Soviet may still remember the time when his father was a serf, chained to the soil, delivered body and soul to his feudal master, that the delegate to a women's congress may, when she was a young girl, have been discharged by her mistress because she made an effort, when still a servant, to learn secretly at night, in the kitchen, how to read. In 1917 a chambermaid to whom I had given forty rubles kissed my hand; in the same year a hotel clerk in Petrograd refused to permit a friend who was visiting him to come up the main stairway, be- cause the latter was a soldier. "Such people must use the servants' entrance," said this man, who was then not yet a man, and I asked myself in sorrow how many revolutions would be required to make a human being out of this watchdog or out of that slave of a servant girl. The Peasants ' ' And now this hope of mine is coming true, by reason of the mere existence of the Comrauni^ Soviet State. I do not mean to maintain that incidents such as those mentioned above may not take place somewhere in Russia today. In this immense country there are still regions, for in-' stance, Pechora, that are reached by the f)ost office only during a few weeks of each year. Of course, this is an extreme cape, but it gives an idea of the amount of time that will be required before the revolution has permeated this continent and these masses. I should not be astonished to learn that in some remote provinces the peasants may have been sentenced by their Village Soviet to "stand for three days in a ditch," as their ancestors once were sentenced by their feudal lord, or by the sheriff. Whit man could be so stupid as to imagine that a revolution, especially an ethical revolution. Digitized by Google 10 SOVIET RUSSIA January, 1922. could reach its goal in two, or in thirty-three, montlis? On the contrary, vestiges of the old days are still observable, valuable stepping stones that en- able us to measure the distance we have covered. For these peasants, or perhaps those of the neigh- boring village, already have a sjhoolhouse in which old and young may learn to read, a reading room in which they will find newspapers from Moscow and from the provincial capital, a stage on which youthful amateurs may give their plays. In the village there is already a Communist club; former Red soldiers, young people who have stripped themselves of the old prejudices and are imbuing the village inhabitants with the principles of rebirth and reconstruction, who teach old and young and make citizens of the serfs of yesterday. The peasant, who once passively, submissively, cut off from all, bore the burden of a state and of a civilization in which he had no share, of which he did not even know the formation, seems today for the first time to be entering into the life of a modern society. The Peasant^s New Outlook on Life Perhaps his burdens have become heavier; yet the soil belongs to him, which once he tilled for others, and he already has some share in the gov- , emment of the nation. His delegates to the Soviet Congress go to Moscow; his delegates in the pro- vincial congresses make political decisions; Lenin's appeals, as well as those of the Central Executive | Committee, or of the Communist Party, are ad- j dressed to him; for the first time the foundations and consequences of government decisions are ex- plained to him as to a human being. Some will ; tell you that the peasant never had to bear under i the Tsar half of the burdens that he now carries under the Soviets. I do not know whether this is the case; but there is no doubt that the peasant is answering the call to arms, prosecuting the sabot- eurs, handing over for hardly any compensation his surplus of grain, a portion of his cattle, his hides, milk, cheese, game, and eggs, to the national stores, contributing the power of his arm and of his machines for cutting wood, clearing the rail- way trarks; all because the appeal has been mad;^ to his reason and to his interest as a human and social being. It has been explained to him that he must make this advance to the working class, which wiH pay it back a hundredfold. And the peasant knows very well that this is not an attempt to exploit him, for experience has shown him what counter-revolution, or Kolchak, or Denikin, means for the poor peasants. The poor and middle peasants have become conscious not only of their functions and of their duties in the Proletarian State, but for over a year the Commissariat for Provisions has observed that the peasant is begin- ning to recognize as a duty to the government of the working class the delivery of his surplus grain. The peasantry was formerly a mass, endowed with certain valuable natural qualities, but un- trained, inorganic, ignorant, cut ofif from modern civilization, the slaves of a nation of which they were hardly a part Now they have become mem- bers, increasingly conscious members, of the great (organization of workers of which they also are a part and which gives them the possibility of de- veloping their humanity more and more. This is the immense ethical revolution that has been at- tained by the political and economic revolution of the proletariat, against all obstacles. Although it is not to be observed in the same strength in all quarters, this revolution has nevertheless actually taken place everywhere and is everywhere advanc- ing. Economic and Ethical Equality If the Russian revolution has succeeded, in spite of the vast extent of the country, in moulding and transforming the peasants to this extent, it has achieved even more in the cities. The French prisoners at Archangel were most impressed by the equality, not merely in words, but actually made a reality. Of course diflferences of function remained, differences of occupation, of authority, but the barriers have already been removed, that^ separated the soldier from the officer, the worker from the director, the administrator from his em- ployees, the servants from their masters. The workers of all callings are united in the same great unions. The government officials, deprived of their pri- vileges (pensions, leaves of absence, advancements, insignia, uniforms, of all the half-concealed class distinctions that still exist in so-called democratic republics), are now in no way different from the employees of the factories or concerns. All these functionaries have their working days, their hours of repose, their right to be supported ! in case of sickness or in advanced age, equality of conditions at appointment and dismissal, their ^ wages, their dwellings, etc., all of which are de- termined by the same rules that apply to the ^ workers. It would be impossible for any one in Moscow to understand the regulation that prevails in France, forbidding the office staff from joining the Confederation General du Travail. You must live in the land of the Soviets in order to grasp the full charm of true equality. There are no longer any "prescribed modes of life" and "social degrees", no bourgeois habits as to food, clothing, dwellings. There is no distinction of classes in the railroad trains (there used to be four such classes). No doubt the English correspondent thought he was very clever when he spoke of the "Soviet aristoc- racy" living in the old nationalized hotels; in the restaurants of these hotels he could have learned that he was using the expression "aristocracy" in the loosest sense of the term, since all the comrades, including those filling the highest positions in the Republic, as well as the force employed in the establishment, eat at the same table, and are served from the same dishes. This is the Soviet aristoc- racy. The doorkeeper, the wom&n who serves the Digitized by Google Januazy, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 11 food, the chauffeur who guides your automobile, they wear no lackey's uniform, they lack the sub- servient alacrity that is valued so highly by the bourgeoisie: a single glance will tell you that they are engaged in a calling that is by no means less worthy than any other calling. The same hour will find them assembled at the same table, at the same concert, at the same lecture, all in the same room. PUasures of Past and Future From the economic standpoint it may be urged that equality means poverty; this is not entirely true, and besides, the misery of the masses could hardly counterbalance the wealth of the few if it were not for this equally distributed poverty; and furthermore it is on this uniform poverty that an increasing prosperity is slowly but surely being built up. There are, I admit, no longer any splen- did restaurants, like the "Bear," "Praga," "Yer," where rich speculators devour dinners of many courses in the company of the well-paid officers of the foreign missions, while the strains of *Tipperary" or of some waltz played by a Rumani- an orchestra delights their ears; but, on the other hand, you no longer find any of the horrid traktirs (saloons) with their fetid and choking airj where common men obtained a cabbage soup or a bit of herring for a few kopeks, accompanied by the melancholy whine of a mechanical piano. The day will come when the "Praga'* will offer to all the workers attractive and spacious rooms, nourish- ing and healthful meals, and music that deserves the name. Before that time comes, however, these apartments will have to be given up by the artil- lery school now now occupying them, but this does not depend upon the Bolsheviki, but on the capitalists of all lands. At any rate you see nothing of the Utopian leveling desired by certain anarchists; each person remains in his place; any of them, either the People's Commissar from his office, the doorkeeper from his door, the professor from his university or the organizer, when his time is valuable, will set forth for his destination in an automobile or a carriage; the professor is entitled not only to a bedroom, but also to a study; the engineer earns more than the skilled worker, and the latter more than the unskilled worker. But as soon as the differences arising from the variety of occupations yield to the hours of leisure, true equality again asserts itself. The unskilled worker and the People's Commissar, when their health requires treatment, will meet at the same sanatorium; the children of the engineer and the worker attend the same school; these are by no means theoretical hypotheses but actual facts oc- curring daily; I might cite the individual cases by name. {To be continued next month) THE WASHPIGTON CONFERENCE {Translation of the note addressed by the People's Com^ missar of Foreign Affairs, on November 2, 1921, to the Governments of Great Britain, France, Italy, Japan, and the United States of America, as it appeared in **lzvestit^, November 4, 192L) The protest voiced by the Russian Government on July 19, 1921, against the calling of an international conference on the problems of the Pacific without Russians participa- tion, was disregarded by the powers. In view of the approaching conference, the Russian Government repeats its protest against this attempt to decide, in the absence of a Russian representative, questions which directlv con- cern Russia. The Government of Russia also wisnes to reiterate the statement that it reserves for itself complete freedom of action on all questions which will be discussed at this conference and that it will make use of this freedom on all occasions and by all means which it will deem expedient for this purpose. The toiling masses of Russia received with the greatest indignation this new manifestation of a policy of violence and injustice towards their country. The Government of workers and peasants of Russia affirms that the 130 million people of Russia will not permit others to force their will upon them or to treat them as the voiceless objects of their decisions. The toiling masses of Russia, who are straining every effort in the work of economic reconstruc- tion, know that in spite of the famine caused by the allied blockade and the drought, the moment of Russia's economic restoration and the strengthening of her political power is speedily approaching. Those who are now violating the most elementary require- ments of decency and respect for Russia's sovereign rights, will then be faced with the consequences of their actions towards Russia. It is only with the greatest indignation that the people of Russia can view the statement that the great powers are taking it upon themselves to safeguard Russia's interests. During the last few years Russia has had sufficient experience of the "solicitude" of the great powers. Her interests are now to be guarded by the same Governments that have been bleeding her, sending the Tsar's generals against her, trying to strangle her by a ruthless blockade. The laboring masses of Russia under- stand full well that when these powers will undertake to solve for Russia questions involving the interests of Russia, these questions will be decided on the strength of considerations entirely foreign to the interests of Russia, and to the detriment of the people of Russia. The latter know in advance that any agreement of the powers, which would undertake to decide anything for Russia, would undoubtedly turn out to be of the same order as the Versailles and Sevres treaties. But Russia is not a vanquished country. She has issued forth triumphantly from all the trials to which she was subjected by the very same powers who now assume the task of caring for Russia's interests. The laboring masses of Russia have already shown sufficiently that they can withstand any attempts at violence directed from d>road and they will in the same manner be able to repel every new attempt of a similar nature. No matter what are the public agreements that will be concluded in Washington, there will always remain the suspicion, almost the cer- tainty, that secret agreements have also been made, directed against Russia, and as a result an additional element of mistrust, suspicion, and complications of all kinds will be introduced into international relations. Under such circumstances the decisions of the Washin^on Con- ference will inevitably become merely the sources of new conflicts, new entanglements, and new catastrophes. Not peace, but discord and strife and hatred will be brought into international relations, surely to become the cause \ of new disasters for the entire world. Chicherin, People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs. Digitized by Google 12 SOVIET RUSSIA January, 1922. Education in Russia {The following summary of the work of the Commissariat for Education has been prepared by the Information Department of the Russian Trade Delegation in London.) T N pre-revolutionary Russia the work of educat- known that at the present time most of the country •■' ing the people was carried on by the Government, schools have hardly any writing materials or books, the Church, and the 2^mstvos and municipalities, while the number of teachers in each school is The Government schools were further divided be- considerably below the pre-war average, tween the Ministry of Education, which controlled r^ t n the bulk of elementary and secondary schools as Complete Reorganization of the System well as universities, and several other ministries, un- Nevertheless, the Commissariat for Education is der whose supervision were technical and military not only valiantly and, to a large extent, success- schools. The Revolution swept away all this multi- fully struggling against enormous odds, but is also plicity of control and substituted for it a single laying firm foundations for a completely new ed- authority — the Commissariat for Education. The ucational system* Its principal r^orm has been scope of educational work was vastly enlarged, so the creation of the "uniform labor school". The as to include all forms of educational activity. The extreme variety of types of school in Tsarist Russia work was divided among three sections of the Com- was the natural result of the policy which measured missariat: (1) the pedagogical section, which com- out the allowance of education according to the bined the departments for general elementary and "station" of the pupils. The "lower school", L e., secondary education, "the uniform labor school", village schools, town-parish schools, trade schools, "school reform", technical schools, pre-school ed- etc, was not just the first step in the educational ucation, and training of teachers; (2) the scientific ladder, leading to the higher steps, but provided section, which included departments of scientific all the education that was considered good for the societies, higher educational institutions, and libra- "lower classes". The so-called "middle school" ries; (3) the art section, in which were combined was entirely the preserve of the well-to-do classes, departments of the representative arts, preservation corresponding in its programme to the public of monuments, music, theatres, and motion pictures, school in this country. As to the "higher school" — The department of adult education, originally universities, colleges, etc. — it was open only to included in the Commissariat, has lately been trans- those who had already matriculated in the middle formed into an independent organization, the Chief school, and consequenty was completely outside Political Education Board. The latter, as its name the reach of the masses of the people. The Revolu- suggests, controls a special sphere of educational tion has broken down all these social barriers. The work, its object being to inculcate Communist ideas "uniform labor school" has replaced all the other and the spirit of the Communist State into the types of elementary and secondary schools by estab- masses of the people. The same purpose naturally lishing a single program of education for children governs the work of the Commissariat for Educa- of all classes. It has only two sub-divisions based tion, but only as a general principle, the main on the diflferences of age, namely, schools of the concern of the Commissariat being the provision first grade for children from eight to twelve years and control of general and technical education. old, and schools of the second grade for children In this principal field of education, the work ac- from twelve to seventeen years old (originally; complished, in spite of all its deficiencies and im- now from twelve to fifteen years). Nor is this the perfections, has been considerable. The following only change compared with the past Education table shows the growth in the number of schools being regarded by Soviet Russia as a means of and pupils in the territory of Soviet Russia: bringing up citizens capable of taking an active part in the productive life of the country, work of Elementary and No. of a productive character has been made the basis Secondary Schools Pupils of all school education. This principle, however, 1911 47,855 3,060,400 should be distinguished from mere technical train- 1919 63,317 4,796,284 ing. Workshops there may or may not be in the 1921 (Jan. 1) 91,500 7,200,000 Russian schools. What matters is that children should be engaged in work of direct practical use. It will thus be seen that since the Revolution Thus, in the schools of the first grade the object the number of schools and pupils has, roughly, aimed at is to make them, as far as possible, self- doubled. Two important qualifications, however, supporting, the children being taught and en- must be made in this connection. To begin with, couraged to produce all that can be produced with the figure of 7,200,000 pupils represents only half the means at their disposal. In the schools of the the children of school age in Russia. And, in the second grade the productive work is taken a step next place, the number of schools provides no ccr- higher. Here the pupils are attached to some in- lain criterion of the work accomplished, as it is well dustrial enterprise and are given such tasks as are Digitized by Google January, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 13 compatible with their theoretical studies in the school. The recent lowering of the age for the children of the second grade schools has been adopted as an emergency measure, in view of the great shortage of skilled workers in the national industries. It is hoped as soon as the emergency has passed to restore the original school age limit of seventeen. Side by side with the work of training children for future productive occupation the Commissariat for Education has had to solve a completely differ- ent problem: providing general education for children actually employed in industry. Although the Soviet Labor Code prohibited the employment of children under the age of fourteen, the pressure of economic conditions and the attractions of in- dependent life have been so great that the rule remained a dead letter, and ultimately was altered 80 as to fix the age limit at twelve years. Educa- tion being compulsory in Russia, all factory chil- dren are obliged to attend school for four hours a day. Special second grade evening schools were found necessary for this purpose, and in Petrograd alone there are forty-six such schools with 10,000 pupils. The Education of Factory Children It will be easily realized that in undertaking to educate the great mass of factory children the Soviet authorities were faced with a very difficult task. The abnormal conditions of life during the first period of the Revolution, particularly in the' big cities, drove thousands of children into the streets and turned their life into one of vice and crime. Those of the children who had worked in the factories were further demoralized by the per- nicious influence of the old factory system. To educate such children, to make them conscientious, decent, and industrious, would have been little shgrt of a miracle. Yet this miracle was performed, and perhaps nothing can encourage more faith in the progress of education in Russia than the suc- cess in educating factory children wherever there were any facilities for accomplishing this task. The importance and comparative novelty of this side of the educational work in Russia are such that a few illustrations taken from the work in Petrograd will be not without interest to the reader. There are the famous Pulilov works in Petrograd. A school for the children employed in them was opened in the house of their former director. Ex- perienced teachers were invited to condudt the classes. On the opening day a large number of boys and girls attended the school. But no sooner were the classes over than disillusionment came. The masters discovered that all their pockets had been most eflFectively picked, while all the door handles in the house were stolen. Two years passed, years of hard work and many bitter disappoint- ments, and it was impossible to recognize the ■chool: it became as good as any that had to deal with the most "respectable** children. There is another such school in Petrograd, on the Yelagin Island. It is now a model school. The pupils have repaired the whole building, made a kitchen garden, repaired the water pipes, re-built an old shed into a dining room, and built a meteo- rological observation hut in which, of course, they themselves take the readings. They live in a com- mune as good comrades, and their moral tone it as high as could be expected in a model school. There is no need to multiply examples. They all serve to confirm the statement that where means were available the eflforts of the educational au- thorities were in most cases crowned with success. But schools are not the only influence fashion- ing the minds of the children. Side by side with them are working their institutions, and one of them — the Children's Village near Petrograd — de- serves special mention as an institution the like of which is not to be found in any ojther country. The Children*s Village, formerly Tsarskoe Selo, is both a children*s colony and a health resort providing facilities for short visits to a beautiful country spot abounding with magnificent old palaces. Children come to the village in groups. Two so-called "excursion stations**, one of them with a hotel accommodating 150 children, serve as feeding and play centres. The hotel is used for children coming for two days — usually Satur- day and Sunday. After arrival children play various games (croquet, lawn tennis, rowing, etc.). In the evening, or if the weather is bad, lantern lectures or concerts are arranged. The following day, before dinner is served, is devoted to serious study. Under the guidance of teachers some chil- dren go to the forest or pond and collect various specimens, which are afterwards sorted out, pre- pared, stuffed, and studied in the special museum attached to the "excursion station". Other parties visit the surrounding palaces, farms, the Pulkovo Observatory, or go farther into the country for geological studies. After dinner, games again, then resting in the comfortable sitting rooms or reading in the library, and in the evening the return trip home. As factory children each year have an obligatory fortnight's holiday, many of them spend that time in the village under the supervision of the special staff of teachers attached to the ex- cursion station. Excursions to places of interest are now a recog- nized part of the general education of children and, together with the more modem methods of school education, such as dramatic performances, games, etc., have been a very potent means in raising ilie moral and intellectual equipment of factory children. Pre-School Education A word should also be said on various pre-school institutions. There are about 5,000 of them in Russia now, with 300,000 infants, and they are entirely the product of the Commissariat's efforts, having been practically non-existent in the pre- revolutionary days. Turning to the general problems of the edura- Digitized by Google 14 SOVIET RUSSIA January, 1922. tional work in Russia, we come first of all to the question of finances. The existing schools of the first grade (83,000) satisfy about sixty per cent of the need of the country; schools of the second grade (3,500), barely five per cent. To make up the deficiency would involve an enormous outlay. Yet with school fees abolished and all expenditure borne by the central Government, the latter is Actually able to provide less than a quarter of the total amount required (i. e., in money and kind). To remedy the situation a decree has therefore been issued placing the burden of financing educa- tional work on the shoulders of the local popula- tion and authorizing local institutions to levy a special education tax. It is hoped that by this taxation adequate means will be found to carry out the whole educational program. Another great obstacle to be overcome is the shortage of trained teachers. The demand for school teachers this year is more than 200,000, whereas the supply from various pedagogical in- stitutions is not anticipated to reach even 30,000 teachers. In the sphere of technical education the position is better; in the case of engineering 4,000 qualified engineers and 13,000 mechanics left the schools thb year; but it falls far below the requirement in the case of agricultural specialists (600 qualified against 10,000 required). Adult Learners Finally, in the field of adult education, apart from innumerable continuation schools, clubs, etc., the most important achievement has been the campaign against illiteracy. Within less than a year 4,800,000 adults were taught to read and write. In the Red Army the illiterate number now only forty-five per cent as compared with eighty- five per cent in the old army. To sum up, it is sufficient to say that Russia has never seen such a determined national effort to extinguish ignorance as is being made to-day. Work carried on with such courage and determina- tion is bound to achieve its aim; and the results so far obtained in spite of all difficulties give real ground for confidence. Wireless Telegraphy and Telephony T^HE climatic conditions of Russia make com- ^ munication by ordinary telegraph and tele- phone peculiarly difficult at certain periods of the year. In some provinces forest fires are usual every year; in others the snow is so heavy in winter that it is difficult to keep the ordinary tele- graph wires in good condition. Wireless telegraphy is naturally the most efficient method of communi- cation over vast distances, and for the reasons given above its widest development in Russia is necessary if close touch is to be kept between the outlying provinces and the centre. Before the October revolution all wireless ap- paratus in Russia was controlled by the Ministry for War and used exclusively for military and naval purposes. After the revolution all radio stations were handed over to the Commissariat for Posts and Telegraphs, which began to increase the number of these stations, and introduced consider- able improvement in the methods of working. Small naval wireless outfits were taken from the fleet and sent to provincial towns. Portable military outfits, mainly receiving stations, were also gathered to- gether and sent out with efficient operators. A net- work of wireless connections was thus formed, and in 1920 there were 250 receiving radio stations be- longing to the Commissariat for Posts and Tele- graphs, and fifty stations belonging to the army, but receiving and distributing the news service sent out through the Commissariat for Posts and Tele- graphs. There were also forty-seven land trans- mitting stations, many of them of considerable power. These are being extended in spite of Rus- sia's complete isolation during the period of civil war and blockade and her economic conditions at the present moment. An entirely new station near ^loscow, capable of sending messages across the Atlantic, has been almost completed. This station will be able to communicate with practically every large receiving station in the world. It is equipped with a high frequency alternator of a new type giving 20,000 alternations per second. It is hoped that besides the obvious utility of this station for immediate practical purposes, it .will be possible to gain from it extremely useful material for the study of atmospheric and magnetic phenomena. The progress made in Russia in the field of wireless telegraphy and telephony has been almost entirely due to the magnificent work done at the radio laboratory at Nizhni-Novgorod which was organized in 1918. The high frequency alternator already mentioned was invented by a member of the Laboratory Council and all the work of cal- culation and construction connected with it was done in the laboratory. Later the laboratory turned to the preparation of plans and material for a number of radio wireless telephone stations. One of these has already been equipped, and the trans- mitting station of Khodinka near Moscow was ad- apted for its use. After preliminary experiments tlie first tests of this apparatus were made on Decem- ber 16, 1920. The second test at full power was heard clearly at Astrakhan on the Caspian and at Semipalatinsk in Siberia. It was found possible for the receiving station to be connected to the ordinary town telephone in several places, and for a speech made at Moscow to be heard by individu- als many miles from any wireless receiving station Digitized by Google January, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 15 by this means. The wireless experts in Moscow had received answers from Siberian stations on the day the experiment was made, but they were amazed to find two days later that the receiving station at Irkutsk, over 2,500 miles away, had heard their work but had been unable to reply owing to the fact that their transmitting instrument was not sufficiently powerful to cover the distance. Finally, three days after the experiment was made, a telegram was received from Chita, fully 3,000 miles away, stating that some portions of their message had been heard distinctly. The German Government placed the wireless sta- tion of Gelthoff at the disposal of Russian scientists and inventors for experimental purposes. In the first experiment Dr. Ruhkopf, head of the experimental service of the Telefunken Company, was present, together with the engineers and technicians of this receiving station. Conversation was heard so dis- tinctly that it was possible for the Russians present to distinguish the voices of their friends speaking in Moscow. The German Ministry for Posts and Telegraphs, being greatly interested in this ex- periment, ordered its scientific experts to verify the claim that it is perfectly possible to carry on regular telephonic conversation between Berlin and Moscow irrespective of climatic conditions. They found that even when the Moscow transmitting sta- tion reduced the power used to one half it was possible under good conditions to hear what was said. The laboratory at Nizhni-Novgorod is now work- ing on a new task, that of organizing a "talking newspaper". The idea is to connect the receiving station of a wireless telephony outfit to an "ampli- fier*' such as is sometimes used in America to make speeches audible in various parts of the country. In 1920 several such outfits had been prepared. each of which could make a speech in Moscow audible to an audience of 250 to 400 persons 400 or 500 miles away. The scientists working on this problem, however, are not satisfied with an attempt to develop this process on such a small scale. An "amplifier" has been invented, and is being per- fected, for use with receiving stations receiving the high power telephone messages from the new station near Moscow. It is possible for a large audience to hear clearly all the vowel sounds and to hear and enjoy the playing of a violin or 'cello in Moscow, three thousand miles away. It is still necessary to intensify and make sharper the conso- nant sounds, but there can be little doubt that this will be achieved. Although considerable progress has been made, as may be seen from the short sketch of new de- velopments given above, the Russian workers in this field are still hampered by lack of materials. For example, in 1919 they completely exhausted their stock of Mayerov condensers which hitherta had been imported from abroad. Their first at- tempts to make substitutes were unsuccessful, as^ the close insulation they used was not sufficiently reliable and was extremely difficult to work with. Later they succeeded in compressing ordinary paper insulated in 'Tourmaline" into the various shapes necessary. Lacking ebonite, which is also neces- sary for insulation purposes, they were forced to turn their attention to another substance called by them "Bacalite", which is considerably easier to work with and equally good as an insulator. The difficulties they have had to face in securing materi- als have led them to make considerable advances in technique which otherwise, if materials had been handy and plentiful, might never have been made. Researches in Pure Physics The following article by Professor A. Timiriazev (''Krasnaia Nova*\ No. 2, August, 1921) de- scribes the research work in pure physics carried out in Petrograd and Moscow since the November Revolution. The author points out that his information about Petrograd and Moscow is incomplete, and that he makes no reference to the work done in the provinces. His principal idea may be stated as follows: In analyzing the innumerable empirical formulae with which the physicists have tried to state a law regulating the spectral lines of various elements, D. S. Rogestvensky discovered that in point of fact dl the spectra of alkali metals are, in spite of all their seemingly striking differences, built upon the same single type, namely, the spectrum of hydrogen. He discovered a method for correlat- ing any spectral lines of lithium, sodium, potas- sium, and other alkali metals with definite lines of die hydrogen spectrum. At the same time, he found that the greater the atomic weight of an element the more difficult is the work of correlatin-r r^URING the period following the November -■^ Revolution, research work in physics has been carried on not only in the old laboratories which existed in the pre-revolulionary days, but also in a number of newly-established institutes. As early as 1918 there were founded in Petrograd thte Optical and the Rontgen Institutes, which dur- ing the short period of their existence have suc- ce^ed in publishing several volumes of their transactions. Among the work they contain, one of the most important researches is that by D. S. Rogest- vensky, the organizer of the Optical Institute, on the spectrum of lithium and other alkali metals. Digitized by Google 16 SOVIET RUSSIA January, 1922. spectra and the more ^^distorted" is the original type of the hydrogen spectrum. From this it is concluded that the visible spectrum is determined by the "leap" of the electron in the atom from the one possible orbit to the other. These possible or stable orbits are determined by means of the so-called "quantum" theory. They are situated round a central nucleus of the atom charged with positive electricity, and enclose a number of smaller orbits in which the electrons revolve. The number of orbits and the number of electrons increase with the increase in the atomic weight. It is this nucleus with its surrounding electrons which causes the "distortion" in the orbit of the extreme electron whose leaps from one of its numerous stable orbits on to another are respon- sible for the formation of spectral lines. To calculate the orbits of electrons there has been set iip at the Optical Institute a special "atomic com- mission", which includes amongst its members not only physicists and mathematicians, but also astronomers, since the problem of determining the motion of electrons is the same as calculating the orbits of planets, their satellites and comets. Electron Studies At the present time detailed knowledge has been gathered concerning the atom of lithium with its nucleus, the two electrons revolving in the close circular orbit round the nucleus, and the one electron producing the lines of the visible spectrum. All the orbits of this electron have been calculated with great accuracy. But the most important fact, of course, is not so much the exhaustive study of the atom of lithium, as the discovery of a common method of investigation and the proof of the similarity of construction of all spectra. The radiation of electrons, moving in the inner orbits of the atom, produces the X-ray spectra. These spectra are studied in the newly-opened Ronlgen Institute under the general direction of A. F. Joffe. Important research work is being done in this institute also in the sphere of medical application of X-rays, under the direction of Mr. M. Nemenov, the organizer of the institute. X-rays, as is well known, are now used for determining the structure of crystals. In this province a great success has been achieved by N. E. Uspensky and S. T. Konobeievsky, who con- ducted their researches in the Karl Marx Economic Institute in Moscow. Their work, entitled "The Investigation of Microcrystallic Structure by means of the Diffraction of X-rays", has made clear the disposition of crystal in rolled larainse of metals, and aroused great interest at the Metallurgical Con- gress held in Moscow last winter. It is shortly to be published in Germany. Working also in Moscow, G. V. Wulf has suc- ceeded, by ingenious experiments and reasoning, in determining the disposition of atoms in the crystals of sodium chloride salts. This research was conducted in the newly founded Institute for Solid Substances, which is attached to the Supreme Ek:o- nomic Council. The latter also has attached to it the State Insti- tute of Technical Sciences. The physical and electro-technical branch of this is closely connected with the Physical Institute of the First University of Moscow, which, since the death of its famous leader, P. N. Lebedev, in 1911, resumed its work only in 1918. At the present time more than thirty special researches are being conducted in the Physical Institute and the Institute of Technical Sciences, which are both under the general direc- tion of V. I. Romanov. During the last three years the following work was completed in these institutes. A. Danilevsky designed an apparatus for finding the direction of sound. It is so constructed that the indicator of an electric measuring instrument points to zero only when the apparatus is placed in the direction of the sound. The apparatus may prove of great value for reading sound signals at sea during a fog. New Electrical Achievements A work of considerable scientific interest is the model constructed by N. Kaptsov and V. I. Moma- nov, which reproduces by means of short electro- magnetic waves (from six to four cm.) all the phenomena observable in the passage of X-rays through crystals. Thus, the theory of the con- struction of crystals, i. e., the disposition of their atoms, can now be verified by the artificial models of such crystals. As late as June, 1921, successful experiments were carried out in the two institutes mentioned, with the simultaneous conveyance of several tele- grams and telephone conversations through one single wire. Thus methods of wireless telegraphy and telephony were used for the ordinary wire dispatch. Special wireless outfits, adjusted for several diflFerent periods, were used for that purpose, two telegraph lines (one a loop line 160 kilometres long and the other eighty kilometres) having been put at the disposal of the experi- menters. In the same sphere of electro-magnetic oscilla- tions, the following researches are being conducted. G. V. Potapenko is investigating the absorption of short electro-magnetic waves (from twenty-five cm. to fifty cm.) in a number of organic substances, using for tliis purpose a spectrometer constructed according to the design of V. I. Romanov. (This work is being done in the University.) A similar study of longer waves (from ten to thirty metres) is being carried on by K. Theodorovich in the State Institute of Technical Sciences. The aim of these studies is the determination of the laws regulating the spectra of electro-magnetic waves and their comparison with the visible spectra. K. Theodore- vich and B. Vvedensky have made considerable improvements in the methods of measuring di- electric constants, as well as the magnetic proper- ties of matter, applying for this a new method based on the beats of electro-magnetic oscillations such as are used in wireless telegraphy. This work Digitized by Google January, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 17 is conducted in the Physical Institute of the Moscow University, where the magnetic properties of matter are also studied by a number of other physicists under the general direction of V. Arkadiev. The following of their studies may be mentioned here: By V. Korchagin, "Magnetic Permeability at Frequent Electro-Magnetic Oscilla- tions"; by M. Chuprov, "Magnetic Permeability of Cylinders"; by A. Leontiev, "The Discharge Potential at Electro-magnetic Oscillations"; by B. Vvedensky, 'The Rate of Demagnetization." The author of the last-mentioned work succeeded in improving the method for determining short intervals of time, so as to attain the accuracy of a few ten-millionths of a second. Working in the same institute, S. Livshitz devised a method of projecting stereoscopic pictures on the screen, and also conducts studies of the mechanism of spark discharges. H. Metelkin (died June, 1921) made a number of interesting studies of phosphorescence of gases at electric discharge. V. Volkov (under direction of A. Timiriazev) is investigating the problem of "The sliding of rarefied gas along hard, gas-absorb- ing surfaces." A. Timiriazev has completed a study on 'The application of the method of integral equations to the theory of gases." This work, together with the closely connected work of V. Kostitzin on "A special type of integral equations", was the subject of reports made before the Congress of the Association of Physicists, which was held in Moscow in September, 1920. At the same congress a paper was read by V. Michelson on "Dynamic Heating'*, suggesting a detailed and ingenious plan for eflfectively utilizing solar heat. Mention should also be made of the following important theoretical studies by A. Eichenvald: "Stationary Waves of a Final Amplitude"; *The Theory of Asymmetric Oscillations"; 'The Origin of Harmonic Overtones". All these investi- gations give a profound mathematical analysis of sound and electro-magnetic oscillations, and, while explaining well-known phenomena, suggest the existence of new facts, hitherto unobserved. Subsequent experiments have already justified several of these predictions. These studies were reported before the P. N. Lebedev Physical Society, of Moscow, but have not so far been published. The following studies are still being conducted: By V. Romanov, "Construction of cathode relays of a new type for wireless telegraphy"; by V. Baranov, "The electric arc under low pressures"; by K. Kulraan, "Preparation of resistances by pulverizing metal in a vacuum"; by A. Irissov, "Determination of co-efficients of expansion of alloys"; by A. Timiriazev, "Investigation of the optical anisotropy of rarefied gas traversed by a stream of heat"; by V. Volkov and A. Timiriazev, "Construction of a micromanometer for measuring small gas pressures (up to one ten-millionth part of a millimetre of mercury column)"; by G. Sima- nov, "Internal friction of liquid di-electrics in an electric field." Finally, in the Physical Institute of the Second University of Moscow the following studies have been completed: Mrs. A. Arkadieva has con- structed an apparatus for measuring photographs of X-ray spectra; A. Mlodzeievsky has carried out a number of studies on the theory of liquid crystals, as well as the asymmetry of molecules in running liquids, by an optical method; N. Vvedeneieva has completed an investigation into "The anomalous revolving dispersion." A work still in the process of study is that by A. Timiriazev and Miss N. Razhivin on "The construction of an apparatus (centrifuge) for studying the friction of dissolved particles during their motion in the dissolver." White Guards Repentant (In the November Soviet Russia we printed a short article^ '*Plans for New Pogromfi*\ in which the name of General Slashchev appears as that of a preeminent and active counterrevolutionsL Gen- eral Slashcliev has since agreed to work with the Soviet Government and is now again in Russia, as the following article points out. The reader is referred in this connection to the book reviews in this issue of Soviet Russia, which deal exhaustively with the problem of the reformed as well as the recalcitrant intellectuals,) AN official statement issued by the Soviet Gov- ■^"^ emment announces the arrival in Soviet Russia of several officers formerly prominent in Wrangel's Crimean army who recently fled from Constantinople. Among these was a former chief commander in the \)lTiite Guard Crimean army, Lieutenant General Slashchev, the former Assist- ant War Minister in Wrangel's Crimean Govern- ment, Major General Milkovsky, the former chief of the Sevastopol garrison. Colonel Gilbich, and also Colonel Mezernitzky and Captain Voinakhov- sky. General Slashchev's name ^s associated with many painful moments for the Soviet Government, the official statement points out, and with many of the hopes and plans of international counter- revolution. After the Crimean debacle Slashchev retired from active participation in the counter- revolutionary movement; and yet his former ac- tivity makes it important to understand his motives Digitized by Google 18 SOVIET RUSSIA January, 1922. and those of his companions in returning to Soviet Russia. General Slashchev and the other officers who returned with him were essentially soldiers rather than politicians. It was only after their defeat that many of Wrangel's officers and soldiers discovered that they had been mere tools for in- ternational counter-revolutionary adventures and that the "Great Russia" so loudly proclaimed in their circles had real existence only in Soviet Russia, where the toiling masses struggled heroically for a glorious future. Slashchev and his companions ad- mit that they are ignorant of socialism, but they are offering their services to the Soviet Government as the only government of the Russian people capable of representing the nation before foreign powers, the only government which is supported by an overwhelming majority of the people and which alone can save Russia from the ruin wrought by prolonged war and stubborn counter-revolutionist destruction. Slashchev has declared in a public statement: "Although not a Communist nor even a Socialist, I consider the Soviet Government the only government representing my native country and the interests of the entire people. It vanquishes all opposing movements and completely satisfies the demands of the majority. As a soldier, I be- long to no party, but wish to serve the people, and wholeheartedly submit to the government established by them." General Milkovsky declares: "I was moved to return because I learned the truth about Soviet Russia and because I did not desire to participate in any n^w attempts against Soviet Russia, which are only useless adventures profitable to foreign imperialists and harmful to Russia. I wish to serve my native country and people and the government which enjoys the support of the great majority and which in four years has re- created the regenerated Russia out of complete ruin." Similar declarations were made by Colonel Gilbich and the other officers. The official statement issued by the Soviet Gov- ernment expresses the conviction that Slashchev and his companions represent the sentiments pre- vailing among the mass of civilian and military Russian refugees languishing in foreign countries under most frightful conditions, merely lacking the courage of these pioneers who bravely re- turned to their native country to face judgment before the workers and peasants. The Soviet Gov- ernment has pardoned the new arrivals for all their past transgressions against the people, and an- nounces that all truly repentant counter-revolu- tionists will be given the possibility of participat- ing in the regeneration of the country. The doors of the Workers' and Peasants' Russia are open to all who acknowledge their past errors and who are determined to serve honestly the toiling people. Anyone who abuses this generosity of the Workers' Government by counter-revolutionary activities will meet with severe punishment. The official state- ment concludes: "Information presented by Slash- chev and others proves quite unmistakably that influential circles in France and Elngland and other countries have by no means renounced new attempts against Russia. The Soviet Government must main- tain all its vigilance. Yet the very fact of the voluntary return to Soviet Russia of the most pro- minent members of Wrangel's army shows the deep decay in the White Guard ranks, which is making it ever more difficult for foreign imperialists to use the Russian White armies as cannon fodder for their predatory plans." Upon his return to Soviet Russia, General Slash- chev issued the following appeal to his former fellow officers and soldiers in the Wrangel Army and to other Russian refugees abroad: "Since 1918 Russian blood has flowed in inter- necine war. Many have styled themselves the people's champions. The ^ite Guard Govern- ment has proved itself a fiasco, unsupported by the people. The Whites, being vanquished, fled to Constantinople. The Soviet Government is the only power representing the Russian country and people. I, Slashchev-Krimsky, call upon you, officers and soldiers, to submit to the Soviet Gov- ernment and to return home. Otherwise you will prove to be the hirelings of foreign capital, and what is worse, hirelings against your native country and people. Any minute you may be sent to invade Russian territory. For this, of course, you will be paid, but your taskmasters will derive all the material and territorial gains, will enslave the Russian people, and the people will curse you. You are frightened by the bogey of alleged repres- sions inflicted on returning Whites. Coming here to investigate, I found that all the past is forgotten. I arrived accompanied by General Milkovsky, Colonel Gilbich, several officers, and my wife. And now, as one of the former supreme commanders of the Volunteer Army, I command you 'follow me'. Do not believe any calunmies against Russia and do not dare sell yourselves for war against Russia. I order you to submit to the Soviet Gov- ernment for the defense of your native country and your people. "(Signed) Slashchev." November 21, 1921. Major General Milkovsky and Colonel Gilbich added their signatures to Slashchev's appeal with the following note: "Being of the same mind with Slashchev, and adding our signatures to his present appeal, we on our part appeal to all who know and trust us and who sincerely love their native country to answer this call without the slightest hesitation. "(Signed) Milkovsky "Gilbich." Digitized by Google January, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 19 RUSSUN REPRESENTATIVE TO REGULATE IMMIGRATION (A Communication signed by Mr, Heller and bear- ing the seal of the Society for Technical Aid to Soviet Russia) The Supreme Council of National Economy of Soviet Russia, which is the department of industry of the Russian Republic, has appointed as its rep- resentative in the United States Mr. A. A. Heller, formerly Director of the Commercial Department of the Russian Soviet Government Bureau in New York. Mr. Heller is authorized by the Supreme Council to represent it in the United States, espe- cially in connection with the organization of groups of workers and technicians to take part in the eco- nomic reconstruction of Russia. Following the line of the new economic policy of the Soviet Government, the Supreme Council of National Economy is inviting organized groups of workers, agricultural and industrial co-operatives, partnerships, groups, etc., to come to Soviet Russia for the purpose of leasing or taking on concession, industrial establishments, factories, mills, agricul- tural colonies, etc., in accordance with recent de- crees of the Soviet Government. The Supreme Council of National Economy also invites engineers, skilled mechanics, electricians, miners, builders, and trained men in all branches of industry, to come and take part in the building up of the eco- nomic life of Russia. For the development of Russian agriculture, it invites also farmers, espe- cially organized agricultural colonies, to come and introduce modern methods of agricultDre and machine farming in Soviet Russia. While technicians and skilled men are thus in- vited to Russia to undertake special tasks, it must be understood that this does not imply at this time an opening of the Russian border to general im- migration. On the contrary, the Russian border remains closed to general immigration until fur- ther notice, and only those who come under the head "Industrial Immigration" will be admitted. The regulations governing industrial immigra- tion to Soviet Russia are set forth in the decree of the Soviet Government of June 29, 1921, '^Indastrial enterprises which, by reason of their equip- ment, or because of other particular conditions, are suitable for operation by foreign workers, may be turned over to such workers organized into Artels, Co-operatives, etc., on the basis of lease in accordance with the Decree on Leases, or on any other basis that may be found suitable, soch enterprises to enjoy a certain degree of autonomy, which will be determined in each case between the con- tracting parties, and to be under the supervision of the Supreme Council of National Economy." The representative of the Supreme Council of National Economy in the United States will work in conjunction with the Society for Technical Aid to Soviet Russia in the U. S. and Canada, Room 303, 110 West 40th Street, New York City, to whom inquiries and correspondence should be addressed. A. A. Heller, Representative of the Supreme Council of National Economy of R, S, F. S. R., 110 West 40th Street, New York, N, Y. "LET US GO TO RUSSIA" Under the above title the Society for Technical Aid to Soviet Russia on December 13, 1921, issued the following appeal to Russian workers in Amer- ica, which has since been printed in a number of Russian newspapers in America: *The Supreme Council of National Economy has appointed Comrade A. A. Heller its representative in North America, charging him to undertake the organization of industrial immigration to Russia. 'To carry out the enterprise of industrial im- migration, the Supreme Council of National Eco- nomy requests the Society for Technical Aid to Soviet Russia, through Comrade Heller, to organ- ize those who desire to go to Russia in industrial groups, cp-operatives, artels, etc., and also to sup- ply Soviet Russia with the necessary experts in the various branches of technology and industry. '^Comrades, this is a short communication, but one that is very significant for the Russian colony and all other persons interested in Soviet Russia. "While the Russian borders wil remain closed to general immigration, they will be opened wide for the organized workers who are ready to put their knowledge and skill to the reconstruction of the country's economic life. "The Society for Technical Aid to Soviet Russia may now proceed to carry out its principal task, the sending of shock battalions to the economic front for the final defeat of Soviet Russia's worst enemy — economic disorganization. 'The Society for Technical Aid to Soviet Russia opens wide the doors to the workers of the Russian colony and to all true friends of Soviet Russia and invites them to translate their words into actions. *TAc Central Bureau of the Society for Technical Aid to Soviet Russia in the United States and Canada. "F. WiLGA, Secretary.*' "110 West 40th Street, "Room 303, New York." The Marriage Laws of Soviet Russia Printed in booklet form (85 pages). Complete official text of the laws regulating marriage and divorce, civil status and domestic relations, rights and duties of husbands, wives and children, property rights of children and parents, guardianship, in- heritance, etc. Copies of this booklet sent postpaid for 25c each. Send orders and remittances to SOVIET RUSSIA no West 40th St., New York, N. Y. Digitized by Google 20 SOVIET RUSSIA January, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA « A MONTHLY JOURNAL OF INFORMATION 110 West 40th Street, New York, N. Y. This magazine endeavors to present its readers with the most recent available information concern- ing the Russian Socialist Federal Soviet Republic in the form of official documents and authoritative articles. The editor does not assume responsibility for opinions expressed in signed articles. Manu- scripts are received only at the risk of the sender. rHE Index to Volume V of Soviet Russia has been received from the printer and will be jorwarded to all libraries on our subscription list. Other readers desiring to receive it must request it by mail, enclosing a two-cent sttmtp, before February L The bound volume for July-December, 1921 is also ready for delivery, as announced elsewhere in this issue. DEGINNING with the next number Soviet -" Russia will become the official organ of the Friends of Soviet Russia. The enthusiastic and generous interest which our readers have shown in the cause of famine relief give assurance that this arrangement will meet with general approval and support. The magazine will continue under the editorship of Dr. Jacob W. Hartmann who will also become the publisher, conducting the paper in the interest of the Friends of Soviet Russia. Readers of Soviet Russia may thus be assured that their paper will maintain its present high editorial standard and will take on the added interest of being the official spokesman for this great working class appeal on behalf of the Russian Worker. Soviet Russia will continue the publica- tion of articles by revolutionary leaders, as well as official documents of the Soviet Government. In addition it will include news of the famine relief campaign of the Friends of Soviet Russia and the official reports of that organization. The principle of the Friends of Soviet Russia is: **A working-class appeal to save the Russian workers^ revolution.^' That has always been, and will continue to be the principle of Soviet Russia. The Publisher. PACH year The New York Times appeals to its -■-^ readers for contributions of money to aid *'The Hundred Neediest Cases" in New York, which are fully described at the beginning of the annual drive for this collection, a few weeks before Christ- mas. Last year (1920) the total amount gathered was $111,126, and the 1921 gifts may reach the same sum. As we go to press this figure has not yet been announced, but a recent issue of the Times tells us that $11,039.56 was received on December 13, $6,124.38 on December 13, and $4,775.83 on December 15. It is right that those that suffer from the results of the present system in America should receive assistance, and the reflec- tion that the beneficiaries of these gifts are neces- sarily few in number makes one regret that larger things are not done. The Times explains that no mere temporary charity is intended, but that sub- stantial sums are to be distributed to the families in question, so that they may be assured of sup- port for a year at least The Russian Revolution also needs sunport: millions in Russia are in a worse plight tnan even the **hundred neediest" in New York, and their situation is so hopeless that Mr. George Barr Baker writes to the Times to say that there is no sense in feeding them temporarily, as it m^y be necessary to let them starve a few months later anyway. The many for whom the accomplishments of the Russian Revolution are a promise of a new life are beginning to send large cargoes of foods, clothing, and other supplies to the Soviet Government for distribution to its starv- ing people. But they are not sending enough. Even "The Friends of Soviet Russia", who are the most energetic and successful of the collecting agencies that appeal directly for aid to the Amer- ican workers on the groimd that support must be given to the Russian Revolution and to the popu- lation that is attempting to safeguard its victories, has not been obtaining as large a response as Russia needs. On the same days when the receipts of The New York Times for the "Hundred Neediest Cases" were respedtively $11,039.56, $6,124.38, and $4,775.83, the Friends of Soviet Russia report that they received the following sums: $2,000.89, $2,010.29, and $2,027.20.^ This must change. It is time for Americans to wake up. The Russian Soviet Government needs food for its people, and it needs to receive it from the workers, particularly the workers of America, who in spite of the hard times now and the harder times that are coming, are still better able than the workers elsewhere to do something for Russia. T^EWS of interference with the relief action of the ^ ^ Polish workers for their comrades in Russia has reached us on several occasions. We now learn, from a commtmication from Warsaw, dated Novem- ber 18, signed L. Georges, to a German newspaper, that on that day Fridtjof Nansen was enthusiastic- ally received at Warsaw, while the "liberal" Polish Minister of the Interior, Downarowicz, on the same day wrote the Workers' Relief Committee, forbid- ding them to continue their activities for Russian relief and ordering them to disband their local branches all over the country. The badis on which this order was issued was the notorious Paragraph 6 of the Police Regulations on Associations "giving evidence of immoral tendencies" or "disturbing the *But we are informed that the Friends of Soviet Russia on the following day, December 15, received from its contributors $5,785.99. Digitized by Google January, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 21 peace". At the Nansen dinner, which was attended by Minister Downarowicz, fervent speeches were delivered, expressing Poland's gentle human kind- ness toward Russia. Nansen's stomach must have turned to hear them, for he is a man of honest purpose and courage, as his recent remarks at Geneva showed. Perhaps he would not have coun- tenanced the Polish officials by dining with them if he had known what they were doing in their own country while professing the gentlest and most humane feelings for Russia. THE FRIENDS OF SOVIET RUSSIA The Friends of Soviet Russia send us the follow- ing account of their recent activities: During the first few months of our work, the main emphasis was laid on the organization of permanent local Conferences in the cities of the United States and Canada, who arrange the holding of meetings at which appeals are made for funds, as well as on the circulation of subscription lists for the collection of money from individuals. These methods were eflFective and yielded $250,000 by the end of November. It has been felt desirable to put forth additional eflfort in new fields of money-raising, and stress is now being laid on the necessity of keeping the friends of the working-class revolution in Russia fully informed as to the course of the Famine Work and the needs that yet remain unfilled, in order to stimulate them to further efforts in the gathering of die needed funds. With this object in view, the Friends of Soviet Russia have already published three issues of a semi-monthly Bulletin, which 18 distributed free to all active workers in the field and to all contributors to the collections whose names and addresses are known. In addi- tion, a series of pamphlets describing and pictur- ing famine conditions is about to be issued, which will be sold at a low price; these pamphlets will not only encourage their readers to make further donations to Famine Relief, but the sale of them will also yield a small profit which will be devoted entirely to the same purpose. Two of these pam- phlets have already come from the press: **Thc Russian Famine in Pictures" (richly illustrated), and *Tamine in Russia and Capitalism Abroad" (descriptions of famine conditions and the reac- tions they call forth in capitalist governments of foreign countries). The report of the Russian Famine Commission of the Near East Relief has so impressed the Executive Committee of the Friends of Soviet Russia that it has purchased a large number of copies from The Nation, which is printing the pamphlet, and intends to sell it to- gether with its own literature, and with the same purpose. In addition to the sale of literature, interest m the Russian famine conditions will also be kept awake by means of stereopticon lectures and moving-picture exhibitions (the latter without lectures). These will depend for their profit on the gate receipts, as collections will be limited, in the main, to the larger mass-meetings, addressed, as heretofore, by prominent speakers, who will continue traveling from city to City, talking to gatherings that are being efficiently organized by the Local Conferences and the special organizers assigned to the task. One of our speakers, William Z. Foster, after completing a very successful lecture tour through the Middle West, is now moving east- ward, speaking at Pittsburgh, Washington, Balti- more, Philadelphia, Wilmington, late in December, and will address a number of meetings in New York in January. The sale of Foster's book *The Russian Revolution" has been an important factor in the raising of money at his meetings, as well as the auctioning of 1000-ruble Soviet notes, autographed by Foster, which have brought all the way from $5 to $100 a piece. The National Office of the Friends of Soviet Russia is at 201 West 13th Street; the Treasurer is Jacob W. Hartmann, who is also Editor of Soviet Russia. There is every indication that the total amount collected will be considerably more than $300,000 by December 31, 1921. "FAMINE REUEF FUND" As a result of an appeal published in our September issue contributions to the amount of $2,678.99 were re- ceived for the "Famine Relief Fund" of Soviet Russia. The All-Russian Non-Partisan Relief Committee of Moscow, to which we had originally intended to transmit these con- tributions, was disbanded before any contributions were received. Notice of this circumstance was sent to each contributor and in accordance with instructions from the contributors the donations were turned over by us to various organizations collecting funds for Russian Fainine Relief. All contributions concerning which we received no instructions, after due notice to the donors, were turned over to the American Friends' Service Gimmittee, 20 South 12th Street, Philadelphia, Pa., the organization of the Quakers which applies all donations for Russian relief to the purchase of food and medicines without any deduc- tions for expenses. The books of the "Famine Relief Fund" of Soviet Russia are now closed and all records have been turned over to Certified Accountants for audif. Any contributors to this fund desiring information as to the disposition of their donations should write to: Michael Schimmel & Associates, Certified Public AccounUnts, 1170 Broadway, New York Gty. "Famine Relief Fund" of Soviet Russia, H. S. Reis, Treasurer. MORE ON THE WASHINGTON CONFERENCE In addition to the Note of July 19 and the Note of November 2, the latter printed on Page 11, protesting against the disregard of Russia by the powers assembled at Washington, the Soviet Government, according to press dispatches of December 13, addressed a third communica- tion to the Governments of the United States, Great Britain, France, Italy, Belgium and I>apan, protesting specifically against the discussion of the Chinese Eastern Railway at the Washington Conference without the par* ticipadon of Russia. The Chinese Eastern Railway, this note is reported to declare, is the exclusive concern of China and Russia, In 1918 the Soviet Government ex» pressed its willingness to hand over the Chinese Eastern Railway to China under certain conditions. Pending the conclusion of an agreement on this point between China arid Russia, the Soviet Government claims that its rights with respect to the Railway remain in force and cannot be set aside by a conference to which Russia is not a party. Digitized by Google 22 SOVIET RUSSIA January, 1922. Agreements with Relief Organizations (Contracts with Frithjof N onsen and the Intemationd Federation of Trade Unions,) I. THE NANSEN AGREEMENT AGREEMENT between Dr, Frithjof Nansen, High Com- missioner for Russian Relief appointed by the Geneva Conference, and George Chtcherin, People's Conu- missar for Foreign Affairs of the Russian Socialist Fedend Soviet Republic, Whereas the Russian Government has learned that a Conference was recently held at Geneva, Switzerland, at which eighty delegates of Governments and private organ- izations were represented, to consider the measures to be taken to render assistance to the famine and disease- stricken areas of Russia; and Whereas Dr. Nansen has accepted the invitation of this conference to act as high commissioner to co-ordinate the various activities, governmental and private, deriving their authority from the said conference; and Whereas Dt. Nansen has arrived at an agreement in regard to the despatch and distribution of supplies to be furnished to Russia by voluntary societies, the main lines of which are contained in Annex A of this agreement; and Whereas Dr. Nansen has conferred with the Russian Government as to the extent of the needs of the afflicted areas, and as to the physical factors, climatic and transport, which limit the assistance which can be effectively rend- ered; and Whereas the Russian Government has furnished informa- tion contained in Annex 2 of this agreement, which shows in detail the extent to which relief is required in each of the provinces, and the methods by which relief can best be sent to these provinces; and as this information shows clearly that the amount of relief required far surpasses the maximum aid which can be rendered either by gifts or by the efforts of European charitable organizations — Therefore the Russian Government, realizing that funds are required to prevent a catastrophe, which would not only bring appalling misery to vast numbers of Russians but also have lasting effect on the economic life of Europe; requests Dr. Nansen, in their name, at once to approach European Governments to secure a credit for Russia of $10,000,000, which sum, although not in any way adequate to meet the present condition, would enable immediate steps to be taken to counteract the existing distress. In requesting Dr. Nansen to undertake this mission on these lines, the Russian Government expresses itself willing to undertake the following obligations towards the Govern- ments providing the loans: (a) The Russian Government, on being informed of the credits which would be found by any one Govern- ment, will furni^ that Government or any organiza- tion formed by it with forms of request signed by the Russian Government, and containing a clause binding the Russian Government to give relief bonds, some- what in the form attached, for the value of com- modities delivered; (b) As soon as the credits are announced, the Russian Government will, in conjunction with Dr. Nansen, draw up a detailed programme of the commodity requirements, and of the ports at which they are to be delivered; and the lending Government, or Dr. Nansen, will make, through qualified experts, the most economical arrangements possible for the purchase and shipment of the supplies; (c) In cases where the sea transport ends at a port outside Russia (e. g., Riga), the arrangements for transport on rail to the Russian frontier will be carried out by Dr. Nansen, in conjunction with the neighboring Governments concerned; (d) Delivery of supplies will be taken against biUs of lading or other documents to be signed by duly authorized representatives of the Russian Govern- ment at the frontier stations or the Russian ports concerned ; (e) Distribution of supplies should be undertaken by the International Russian Relief Executive Committee in Moscow, constituted in accordance with the provisions of Gause 1 of the agreement contained in Annex 1, and on which a limited number of repre- sentative of the principal lending Governments will be added, and the provisions with regard to distribution and supervision shall apply mutatis mutandis. (f) In order effectively to supervise the distribution both of gifts furnished by voluntary organizations and of any supplies furnished against governmental relief credits, the Russian Government undertakes to allow Dr. Nansen, with the approval of the Russian Soviet Government, to send into Russia such personnel as he finds necessary for the relief work, and the Russian Government guarantees them full liberty and protection while in Russia. t In addition, the Russian Government agrees to accord Dr. Nansen the same facilities which have been accorded to the American Relief Administration in Clauses 2 — 6, 13—17, 18—21, 25, and 27 of the agreement made with the American Relief Administration at Riga on August 20, 1921, and signed by M. Litvinov on behalf of the Council of People's Commissars of the Russian Socialist Federal Soviet Republic. Dr. Nansen undertakes that his personnel in Russia will confine themselevs strictly to the administration of relief, and will engage in no political or commercial activity whatever. Dr. Nansen will carry on his operations where he considers relief can be administered most effectively and with the best results. His principal object is to bring relief to the famine-stricken areas of the Volga. (Signed) George Chicherin, People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs, Russian Socialist Federal Soviet Republic. (Signed) Frithjof Nansen, High Commissioner for Russian Relief appointed by the Geneva Conference. Moscow, August 27, 1921. ANNEX A Dr. Nansen, High Commissioner for Russian Relief appointed by the conference held at Geneva on August 15, 1921, and Mr. G. Chicherin, People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs, representing the Russian Soviet Govern- ment, have agreed upon the following principles of European voluntary effort to help the famine-stricken population in Russia: (DA commission shall be formed in Moscow, which shall be called the "International Russian Relief Execu- tive," consisting of one representative of Dr. Nansen acting on behalf of the International Relief Confer- ence, Geneva, and one representative of the Russian Government. (2) The I. R. R. E. shall alone decide with regard to the distribution of supplies to Russia by the I. R. C. G., or any other organization acting in conjunction with it. <3) The supplies thus sent to Russia shall remain the absolute requisition property of the I. R. C. G., until their final distribution. (4) All supplies sent to the I. R. R. E. for distribution will be delivered free at the Russian frontier. <5) In the case of supplies sent by sea to Russian ports, the Russian Government undertakes to secure their discharge in accordance with ordinary commercial Digitized by Google January, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 23 conditions. In case of failure in this respect, the (4) The Russian Soviet Government shall grant to the Russian Government will bear the liability for the represenutives of the I. F. T. U., when carrying out their consequent expense. duties in Russia, the same protection and the same personal (6) The Russian Government undertakes to transport, rights which the representatives of other relief organizations free of cost, all supplies from the Rusian frontier to (American Relief Administration, German Red Cross, the distributing centres. The I. R. R. £. shall have Nansen Relief) enjoy in Russia. the right to supervise the transport of these supplies. (5) The foodstuffs, medicaments, and other articles sent (7) The I. R. R. E. shall decide the general lines on to Russia by the I. F. T. U. shall be admitted without which detailed relief action shall be carried out, and payment of any duty, and shall be loaded, transported, and for this the Russo-American Agreement of August 20, unloaded free of charge, and receive preferential treatment 1921, shall serve as basis. on all railways and other means of transport of the (8) In the interests of systematic distribution and of R. S. F. S. R. The Staff of the I. F. T. U. shall also enjoy the best possible use of transport facilities, the preferential rights in the use of all means of conveyance Russian Government undertakes to make use, as and communication when carrying out their duties in far as possible, of the I. R. R. E. for distribution of connection with the relief work. Lists of the goods to be all free gifts sent from outside Russia to relieve the transported by the I. F. T. U. to Russia shall be submitted famine, and to inform the I. R. R. E. of all such free before they are shipped to the foreign representative of the gifts, of whatever origin, sent from outside Russia Commission. for that purpose. This does not affect the arrange- (6) The representatives of the I. F. T. U. in Russia shall ments already made between the Russian Govern- refrain from all political activity, and shall abstain from ment and the American Relief Administration. interfering with the domestic affairs of Russia. (7) The I. F. T. U. shall have the right to make use of DRAFT BOND TO BE FURNISHED BY THE RUSSIAN the post and telegraph services free of charge in the dis- GOVERNMENT AGAINST SUPPUES OBTAINED charge of their duties. BY MEANS OF GOVERNMENTAL CREDITS (8) The Soviet Government shall place at the disposal of the I. F. T. U. all storing, housing, and office accommoda- International Committee for Russian Relief Credits tion necessary for the relief work, free of charge, and shall Obligation of the Russian Government give it the utmost assistance in obuining fuel and all other material required. Relief Series "A" of 1921 No (9) All goods of the I. F. T. U. shall remain entirely and without question its own property. The Russian Government, for value received, undertakes (10) The I. F. T. U. shall act in all respects in conform- to pay the Government on ity with the Commission and other interested Governmental January 1, 1931, the sum of & sterling, bodies. In order to maintain relations between the Central on which principal sum interest will be paid half yearly, office of the I. F. T. U. at Petrograd and the Commission on January 1 and July 1, at the rate of 6 per cent per the latter shall appoint a delegate in the central office, annum. (U) The present agreement shall become operative after The Russian Government undertakes to pay in the ii has been signed by the Executive of the Commission and currency of both principal and interest, confirmed by the Executive of the I. F. T. U. at Amsterdam. on the appointed date, to (12) The present agreement has been drawn up in Payment of principal and interest on this obligation duplicate, one copy being deposited with the Commission shall be free from all taxation within Russia or its posses- and the other copy with the official representative in sions. This bond is one of a series of obligations of the Petrograd. same nature, and no payment shall be made by the Russian For the International Federation of Government for principal and interest on this series of Trade Unions^ bonds unless a similar payment is correspondingly made in Edo Fimmen respect of the other relief obligations belonging to the same P. Grassmann. •«rie8. For the Famine Relief Commission This series of obligations shall be first charged on the of the All-Russian Central Ex- assets and revenues of the Russian Government, and shall ecutive Committee, have priority, until repaid in full, over any payments made S. Bratman Brodonski by the Russian Government as a consequence of previous V. Kopp governmental debts of any description whatever. I. Jon NOV. (Signed) On behalf of the Russian Government. Berlin, October 18, 1921. II. TRADE UNION REUEF {Text of Agreement between the Famine Relief Com mission of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee, in the text called the Commission, and the International Federation of Trade Unions, called the /. f. T. U.) (!) In accordance with the rights which the Govern- ment of the Russian Socialist Federal Soviet Republic shall grant to the I. F. T. U., the latter body shall appoint its representative in Russia, in order to provide the famine- stricken Russian population with foodstuffs, medicaments, and clothing. (2) The I. F. T. U. shall establish at Petrograd a central office under the management of its special authorized representative in order to carry out the above-mentioned object. (3) The representatives of the I. F. T. U. travelling to Russia shall receive visas to their passports, in accordance with the general provisions of the R. S. F. S. R. In Russia these representatives shall receive the necessary credentials from the People*s Commissar for Foreign Affairs and from the Commission. VOLUME FIVE SOVIET RUSSIA Cloth Bound, is now ready for delivery. It contains all the issues from July to December, 1921, with complete index. Price $3.00 postpaid. Volume IV — weekly issues from January 1 to May 28, 1921, inclusive. may still be had Cloth Bound at $400 per volume, postpaid. Send orders and remittances to SOVIET RUSSIA 110 West 40lh St., New York, N. Y. Digitized by Google 24 SOVIET RUSSIA January, 1922. Mongolia and Soviet Russia {A delegation from the People*s Revolutionary Government of Mongolia arrived at Moscow on October 22, 1921, for the purpose of concluding a friendly agreement with Soviet Russia, The Delegation consisted of the fol- lowing: Minister of Finance and Chairman of the Central Committee of the Revolutionary Party of Mongolia, Danzan; War Minister and Commander in Chief of the People's Revolutionary Army of Mongolia, SukheBator; Assistant Minister of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia, Tseren* and by Boris Filipovich Getz, on behalf of Soviet Russia:) Dandin. On November 5 the following agreement between the Governments of Mongolia and Soviet Russia was signed by the members of the Delegation in behalf of Mongolia and by the head of the Far EasUm Section of the Com- missariat of Foreign Affairs, Sergey Ivanovich Dukhovsky, and by Boris FUippovich Getz on behalf of Soviet Russia:) AGREEMENT BETWEEN THE GOVERNMENT OF THE the frontier territories of Russia, in accordance with an RUSSUN SOQALIST FEDERAL SOVIET REPUBUC AND THE PEOPLE'S GOVERNMENT OF MONGOLU In view of the fact that all the previous agreements and treaties concluded between the former Tsarist Gov- rnment of Russia and the former government of autonomous Mongolia, which was forced to sign such treaties by the cunning and predatory Tsarist policy, have become null and void owing to the new state of affairs in both countries, the present People's Government of Mongolia on the one hand and the Government of the Russian Socialist Federal Soviet Republic on the other hand, moved by a sincere desire to bring about free and friendly relations and col- laboration between the two neighboring peoples, have decided to enter into negotiations with tLis end in view, for which purpose they have appointed the following rep- resentatives: For the Government of the Russian Socialist Federal Soviet Republic: Sergey Ivanovich Dukhovsky and Doris Filipovich Getz; for the People's Government of Mongolia: Danzan, Sukhe-Bator, Tseren-Darzhi, and Erde- van-Shirindin-Dandin, who, after having exchanged their credentials, which were found to be drawn up in the proper form, have agreed as follows: Article 1. The Government of the Russian Socialist Federal Soviet Republic recognizes as the only legal government of Mon- golia the People's Government of Mongolia. Article 2. The People's Government of Mongolia recognizes as the only legal government of Russia the Government of the Russian Socialist Federal Soviet Republic. Article 3. Both contracting parties mutually agree: 1. Not to permit in their territory the creation or sojourn of governments, organizations, groups or individuals, who aim to wage war against the other party or to depose its government and the governments of states allied with it; also, not to allow on its territory any mobilization or volun- tary recruiting among its own citizens or citizens of foreign countries, for armies hostile to the other party. 2. To prevent, by taking all necessary measures, the importation into their territory, or the territory of allied governments, or the transport through them, of arms be- longing to or destined for any organizations making war directly or indirectly upon one of the parties, and which may be used in such warfare. Article 4. The Government of the Russian Socialist Federal Soviet Republic shall send its fully authorized representative to the capital of Mongolia and its consuls to the cities of Kobdo, Uliassutay and Altan-Bulak, and others, in accord- ance with an agreement with the People's Government of Mongolia. Article 5. The People's Government of Mongolia shall send its fully authorized representative to the capital of the Russian Socialist Federal Soviet Republic and also its consuls to agreement with the Government of the Russian Socialist Federal Soviet Republic Article 6. The Government frontier line between Russia and Mon- golia shall be established by a special commission, created by virtue of a special agreement between the Government of the Russian Socialist Federal Soviet Republic and the People's Government of Mongolia, which will be concluded as soon as possible. Article 7. Citizens of each one of the Parties, having their sojourn on the territory of the other Party, enjoy the same rights and perform the same duties as citizens of the most favored, nations. Article 8. The judicial power of each of the contracting parties in civil as well as in criminal matters shall apply to citizens of either contracting party dwelling in the territory of the other party, but both parties, being guided by the high principles or civilization and humanity, repudiate the use by their judicial commissions or commissions of inquiry of any such measures of punishment or of inquisition as might cause physical pain or humiliate the mox^ feelings. Both parties agree that in case one of the contracting parties should grant to parties of some third country special privileges in the matter of criminal jurisdiction, court procedure, or execution of sentences, these privileges shall automatically be extended also to apply to the citizens of the other contracting party. Article 9. Citizens of both contracting parties, when importing . or exporting goods beyond the boundaries of the other country, destined for trade, shall pay the duties established by the laws of the country in question, which duties shall not exceed those paid by citizens of the most favored nation for export and import of the same goods. Article 10. The Russian Soviet Government, wishing to assist the wise measures of the People's Government of Mongolia in the matter of organizing postal and telegraphic exchanges, independent of the predatory interference of world im- perialism, which are indispensable for the cultural develop- ment of the laboring masses of Mongolia, turns over without compensation, as full property of the Mongolian people, all the buildings of telegraphic offices with their telegraphic equipment which have belonged to the Russian Republic and are located within the boundaries of Mon- golia. Article 11. Taking into consideration the importance of settling the questions of postal and telegraphic communications between Russia and Mongolia, as well as the transfer of telegraphic correspondence through Mongolia, in order to strengthen the mutual cultural and economic relations between the peoples of both countries, the two parties agree that a special agreement on this subject shall be concluded in the shortest possible time. Article 12. The People's Government of Mongolia declares that Russian citizens possessing land or buildings in Mongolia Digitized by Google January, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 25 ■hall enjoy the same rights of ownership, lease, transfer of deeds for building purposes, and to apply to them the same methods of collecting taxes, lease payments, and other payments, and in the same amount, as are established and applied, or which may be established and applied, in regard to citizens of the most favored nation. Article 13. This present agreement, drawn up in two copies, in the Russian and Mongolian languages, shall be in force from the moment of signature. Drawn up in Moscow on the fifth day of November, of the one thousand nine hundred and twenty-first year of the European chronology, and on the sixth day of the tenth Moon* of the eleventh year of the Mongolian chronology. (Signed) DuKHOvsKY Danzan Shirindin-Dandin Gktz Sukhe-Bator Tseren Darzhi FOREIGN VESSELS m RUSSIAN PORTS (Regulations issued by the Council of People's Com- missars for the registration of crews of foreign vessels arriving at or departing from the ports of the Russian Socialist Federal Soviet Republic, published in **Izvestif^, November 4. 1921.) (A) The roEwnncATioN or crews on the arrival and DCFABTURE OF VESSELS. On arrival, the captain of the vessel most hand to the local oflBcer of the Maritime Gintrol (representatives of the special department of the All- Russian Extraordinary Commission) the ship's roll and register, together vfith two copies of a list of all persons arriTiDg with the vessel. The personal certificate issued by the authorities of the country of departure must be pre- sented for each and every individual mentioned in the regiflter. The ship's roll, register, and certificates are endorsed on arrival by the officer of the Maritime Control, and after verification are returned to the captain. The aforementioned two copies of the register of persons on board the vessels are retained by the officer of the Maritime Control. Note 1. — ^In cases where, for reasons of urgent necessity, any member of the crew has been replaced, the captain must, on presenUtion of the ship's roll and register, in collaboration with the local authorities, draw up a report declaring the reasons necessitating replacement, and enclosing the certificates of both men, the former member of the crew and the one replacing him. Note 2. — Where persons have been discovered on board without sufficient reason and authority, a special report must be drawn up, and such persons are not permitted to go ashore during the whole period of the ship's stay in port, A copy of the report is transmitted to the nearest author- itative agent of the People's Commissariat for Foreign AfiFairs. (B) On the departure of the vessel, the captain must hand to the officers of the Maritime Control the ship's roll ■nd the endorsed register of arrival, on which he must make a special note of all changes effected in the ship's crew during the stay in port. After verification, the ship's roll, the register, and personal certificates of the crew ire endorsed by the officer of the Maritime Control. Without these endorsements the ship is forbidden to put to sea. Note. — ^Persons engaged for service at ports of the Russian Socialist Federal Soviet Republic must be provided with the necessary documents before leaving the boundaries of the Russian Socialist Federal Soviet Republic. (C) Landing, residence in the territory of the town, AND RETURN ON BOARD SHIP. Permission to land in the territory of the port town is provided by the endorsement of the personal certificate by the Maritime Control on arrival [cf. (A)]. This same document, with its endorse- ment, constitutes a permit to reside outside the ship in the territory of the port town, but after the expiration of tweoty-four hours* residence, registration in the usual manner becomes obligatory. During the period of residence in the territory of the port town, foreign seamen are subject to all the laws and regulations of the Russian Socialist Federal Soviet Republic. In particular,' failure to fulfil the regulation concerning registration is liable to the usual penalty. Note. — ^Tlie endorsement of the Maritime Control is valid for the period of the ship's stay in port. (C2) The conveyance of articles for personal use by members of the ship's crew into the port town and back again is governed by special regulations to be issued by the People's Commissariat for Foreign Trade, in agreement with the People's Commissariat for Food, within two weeks of the publication of the present regulation. (D) The arrest and detention of members of a ship's CREW within the TERRITORY OF THE PORT TOWN. In tho case of arrest or detention of a member of a ship's crew, the responsible administrative or judicial authority must inform within twenty-four hours from the moment of detention the nearest authoritative agent of the People's Commissariat for Foreign Affairs of the fact, for the purpose of receiving instructions as to further procedure. Note. — ^In no case may an arrest be effected on board a vesseL (E) Failure to return to a vessel and desertion. (a) The Maritime Control, in conjunction with the captain of the vessel or his representative, will draw up a list of the members of the crew who have failed to return to the ship on its departure. In the course of the three days following the departure of a vessel, the local special department of the All-Russian Extraordinary Commission shall register these members of the crew, take them into custody, and enter into arrangements with the proper authorities of the Commissariat for Foreign Affairs for their return by the first available vessel, with the consent of the latter's captain. An account of the expense incurred by the detention of the absentees, and of their deportation, shall be transmitted to the appropriate department of the Commissariat for Foreign Affairs, to be claimed from the responsible foreign government. On departure, captains of vessels whose governments have no representative in the Russian Socialist Federal Soviet Republic may deposit a sum of money vrith the appropriate department of the Commissariat for Foreign Affairs, in proportion to the number of absentees, to be employed as a security against the above mentioned expenses, in which case the absentees, on discovery, shall be sent back in accordance with the captain's directions. (b) In the event of the non-appearance of the persons mentioned in the list of absentees within three days after the departure of the vessel, the Maritime Control shall institute a search. All persons or institutions cognizant of the whereabouts of the absentees are under obligation to file this information with the Maritime Control, without awaiting the latter's inquiry. Persons appearing, or discovered, after the lapse of three days, shall "be handed over to the Maritime Control, who, after due examination of' the circumstances, shall deport them in accordance with Paragraph E (a) of the present regulation, or detain them in its own custody. V. Ultanov (Lenin), President of the Council of People's Commissars N. GoRBUNOV, Administrator L. FoTiEVA, Secretary, Moscow, Kremlin, October 8, 1921. ENTRY OF FOREIGNERS INTO RUSSIA In place of all regulations and decrees affecting the entry of foreigners into the territory of the Russian Socialist Federal Soviet Republic previously published, the Council of People's Commissars decrees: 1. Entry into the territory of the Russian Socialist Fed- eral Soviet Republic may only take place by special per- mission of the plenipotentiary representatives of Russia abroad, in the form of a visa stamped on the passport. Digitized by Google 26 SOVIET RUSSIA January, 1922. Note — ^If there is no photograph on the passport sub- mitted, one must be attached to the visa. 2. Persons desiring to receive permission to enter Rud* sia make a declaration to this effect to the plenipotentiary representatives of the Russian Socialist Federal Soviet Re- public, attaching thereto their personal documents, with copies, and application forms as prescribed by the Peo* ple*8 Commissariat for Foreign Affairs. * 3. Paragraph 1 applies equally to persons who have arrived m the territory of any other soviet republic and are desirous of entering the territory of the Russian Social- ist Federal Soviet Republic. 4. Persons who have entered the territory of the Rus- sian Socialist Federal Soviet Republic from abroad, or from the territory of any other soviet republic, by what- soever means, without the permission indicated in Para- graph 1, will be committed by the authorities establishing their identity for trial by a popular court in the presence of six popular assessors, or by revolutionary tribunal as by law provided, and are liable to imprisonment, by de- cision of the latter, according to the provisions of tbo decree of March 21, 1921, concerning imprisonment and the conditional liberation of convicted persons. 5. The plenipotentiary representatives of the Russian Socialist Federal Soviet Republic abroad will take steps to make widely known, in the country to which they are accredited, the present regulations. Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars, (Signed) V. Ulianov (Lenin) Administrator of Affairs of State, N. GORBUNOV Secretary, L FOTIEVA Date. — ^Kremlin, Moscow, October 20, 1921. Published.— /zycsria, October 28, 1921. TREATY WITH AUSTRIA {Press dispatches announce the signing of a political and economic treaty between Austria and Russia, The following account of the nature and significance of this document is by the Vienna correspondent of the London Daily Herald:) A political and commercial treaty has just been con- cluded between the Austrian Republic on the one hand, and the Russian and the Ukrainian Soviet Republics on the other hand. . . In its general context the joint agreement is similar to the Russo-C^rman pact, and, undoubtedly, it is more far-reaching than the London-Moscow agreement. Except for the Riga Treaty, which came into being under pressure of the Polish war, this is the first occasion upon which a foreign Power has granted formal political recognition to the Ukrainian Soviet Government. As an immediate consequence of the new Treaty, various pseudo-representq^ives of the Ukraine, having so-called **legations" in Vienna, will pass into oblivion; while the Russian Embassy, withheld from its rightful occupants since Tsardom's eclipse, will doubtless be placed at the disposition of Moscow*s accredited emissary. Infinitely more important are the Treaty's economio fruits. I have good reason for believing that many Austrian industrialists who had. been reluctant to enter the Russo- Ukrainian trading field prior to the completion of this agreement will now take advantage of their opportunities. This applies especially to Austrian exports of electrical and agricultural machinery and of locomotives. Traders are already making proposals and planning to go to Russia to secure contracts. Similarly, certain Austrian importers, seeking concessions for manganese ores, tobacco, flax and hemp will now do business with the Moscow and Kharkov Governments. In the consummated treaty (of which I have received a first copy) the following paragraphs are particularly Bigni- ficant: Both the Russian and Ukrainian Soviet Republics* emissaries in Austria are recognized as the sole rep- resentatives of their States in Austria. Leaders of both Embassies are to enjoy all the privileges accruing to chiefs of acknowledged foreign missions. Such representatives shall exercise 0>nsular functions. Eacii representative is entitled to the unhampered use of radio stations and of the public postal services, as well as of couriers for open or cipher communica- tion with his own Government and its emissaries in other lands. The contracting (K)vemment8 agree to hasten the resumption of postal, telegraphic and wireless com- munication between their countries. Austrian representatives in Russia and the Ukraine shall serve as custodians of the economic interests of the Austrian Republic. Russian and Ukrainian trade delegations in Austria are recognized as State trading centres and as legal deputations of their Governments. Property of Russian and Ukrainian Missions in Austria shall receive the fullest protection provided by international law. Validity of this Austro-Russian and Austro-Ukrainian Treaty dates from the moment of ratification by the con- tracting Governments. This will be announced in due form in diplomatic Notes. The treaty may be abrogated upon six months* notice by any of the three contracting parties. The Labor Laws of Soviet Russia The full official text of the Soviet labor laws is given in thb booklet of 80 pages. The right to work, protection of workers, labor distribution, compulsory labor, working hours, etc., are among the subjects treated in this code. There is a supplement on "Protection of Labor in Soviet Russia" by S. Kaplun, of the Commissariat of Labor. Sent postpaid for 25c per copy. Send orders and remittances to SOVIET RUSSIA no West 40th St., New York, N. Y. Digitized by Google January, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 27 Peasant and Working Women in Soviet Russia By Alexandra Kollontai {Continued from last issue) TpHE very thought of having women active in •■" military affairs appears repugnant to bour- geois society. This society fears that it might tend to disrupt family ties and therebv undermine the functions of private ownership and class-rule. Although during the imperialist war women were engaged in various kinds of war work throughout Europe, especially in England, this was not so much an actual government function as more or less a mere patriotic propaganda gesture. The attitude towards the women who are called upon to render aid in the protection of the Work- ers' Republic in Soviet Russia is quite different. The Workers' Republic regards the function of women in the army for the self-defence of the country as just as essential as their sharing equally the burden of the chief economic problems. There- fore woman's work in military affairs is called for not only by temporary military expedients, as in an imperialist war, but for the safeguarding of vital interests. In the struggle during the transi- tion period in Russia, in the interest of the New Proletarian State, it is the duty of every citizen not only to work, but also to perform military duties. The ability of each citizen is carefully considered in order to utilize it in the most essential manner. Women, because of the necessity of production, are not eliminated. The more extensive the sup- port of the wide masses becomes, the more suc- cessfully does the Red Army of workers and peasants protect the country. The women particu- larly should be as much concerned in the victory of the Red Army at the front, as they are in the successful maintenan-^e of the freedom granted them by the Soviet Government The November Re\'olution, by abolishing inequality, proclaimed the women as equal citizens, according them all the rights of such. The contention of bourgeois society that women must be entirely dependent upon men has rapidly lost ground. Calling women to arms dispelled the last prejudices fostered by the bourgeoisie, reducing them to mere reminis- cenres of the past. In 1917, v/hen the first barricades for the class war were being erected, the women's part in the revolution became quite conspicuous. At the formation of the Red Guard, nurses' units were organized by women also. Voluntary groups to aid the brave fighter for the cause were instigated by the women. However, the participation of women in war work has not been carried on according to a spe- cial plan. Only in 1918, when the Red Guard was transformed into the Great Red Army, when the Workers' Republic called upon men and women equally to support the front, was a definite plan f^r the utilization of women's services outlined. At the very beginning, units of Communist Women were organized for the purpose of agitation and political work in the Army. A number of these political workers perished with their male com- rades in the defence of the Proletarian Republic. Communist women were also to be found as members of the military revolutionary councils. In the political branches of the Army a great or- ganizing ability of the women has been discovered, as shown by the brilliant talented organizer Com- rade Varsenica Kasparova. Up to the present the number of women who have been actually performing military duties is not very great. But the militia system tends to bring about a fundamental change in the matter of extending the universal military training to the women. It will cause the women's military forces to become well organized. With the development of the new military machinery all the young women of the ages of 16 to 18 are obliged to drill equally with young men. Those under military age attend special courses for physical training and preliminary military drill. Universal Military Training has existed since June, 1920. Since then, in Moscow alone, over 1,000 women have had regular military training, while about 5,000 more are drilling at present Furthermore, the women have shown themselves very efficient in the medical units of the Red Army. Their heroism and self-sacrifice have been proved by their noble deeds. In 1919, special courses for Red Nurses were formed, and over 6,000 obtained nurses' certificates. The following table shows the number of work- ing and peasant women who completed these courses: Year 1919 1920 No. of Red Nurses throughout No. of Russia In Moscow attendants l^ Moscow 1,264 2,442 3,706 280 280 1,005 1,193 2,198 440 447 887 The working and peasant women have been the life of this work. They served as an inspiration to the soldiers, whom they regarded as comrades, not merely as our "poor soldier boys" as they were considered by the bourgeois lady-nurses. This comradely attitude plays a great part in the pres- ent struggle of Soviet Russia. In the summer of 1921 the first graduation from the military courses for women in Petrograd took place. Besides the military training, special courses for women's field telephone and telegraph service have been foimded. The last graduation Digitized by Google 28 SOVIET RUSSIA January, I92i in Samara and Simbirsk in 1920 supplied active workers for the Southern and South Western fronts. The military training conducted all over the country is for the purpose of creating strong re- serve forces to guard the country against enemies. So far the women have responded splendidly to every call issued by the Red Front during the past three years. The industrial centres have been especially responsive, having sent many women to the front. The proletarian women, owing to their class-consciousness, feel the strong ties between themselves, as free citizens of the Republic, and the success of the Red Army on the battlefield. While on the firing line women have faced danger fearlessly during the defensive war, and have shown unusual heroism and bravery, which has been noted by Chief Army Headquarters. According to the statement issued by me latter, about 1854 women in the Red Army have been killed or wounded. A number of them have been taken prisoners of war, while a great many, such as physicians, nurses, members of machine gun corps, have been decorated with the Order of the Red Flag. Women and Public Dining Rooms In the organization and supervision of public dining rooms, women have done enormous work. Particular attention has been paid by them to the children's dining rooms. The women delegates do actual duty in these places, as for instance, in Kiev and in the Province of Moscow. Through the energy and the initiative of the women delegates, dining rooms have been opened at many factories and shops. In the principal cities of Russia, practically all the population is being fed at the Public Dining Rooms. Thus the idea of relieving the women of their daily drudgeries is becoming more and more nearly realized. While no bourgeois government ever took steps towards freeing women from the humdrum of their daily existence, the Workers' Republic in three and one half years of revolution has already accomplished a good deal toward this end. Child Welfare and the New Education One of the problems nearest to the heart of the working women is that of child welfare and the new methods of education, which accounts for their active interest in this work. Special training courses for women attendants, instructors, and organizers of nurseries exist not only in the prin- cipal cities, but in many small towns of Russia. To all these schools the working women delegates are being sent The working women delegates are sent to nurseries, kindergartens, children's homes, etc., to help organize and improve these institu- tions. Under the guidance of the communist women, a new atmosphere of child education on communist lines is created. The old forms of benevolent institutions for the "poor orphans", such as existed under the bourgeois rule, have been entirely abolished. It is true that ihe lack of clothing, regular food supply, books, stationery, etc., serves as a great obstacle in transforming these institutions into model establishments. Never- theless the communist women, thanks to their en- ergy, have succeeded in awakening the interest of the working women in the children's homes and nurseries; through the eflforts and invaluable en- ergy of communist women, such as comrades Nikolayeva, Lilina, Elisarova, Dashen, and many others, this great but difficult work is developing rapidly. Comrade Krupskaya (Ulianova-Lenin) and Men- shinsky, are the initiators of the system of uniform labor schools. Protection of Motherhood The Women's Department keeps also in close contact with the Department of Child and Mother- hood Welfare. The function of this committee is to enforce all the decrees pertaining to the welfare of motherhood which have been passed in the Soviet Republic. Owing to various circumstances, espe- cially to the hard economic conditions brought about by the war, these laws have not been enforced as widely as necessary. These committees, under the supervision of the Women's Department, carry on a propaganda to protect mothers. Thus the working women themselves, becoming acquainted with the principal laws of safety in working con- ditions for pregnant and nursing mothers, assist in putting these laws into eflfect. Although since the revolution the principle of equal pay for equal work has been instituted, in reality the wages of most of the women are far lower than those of the men. As woman's skill in labor is not so highly developed as man's, women are therefore generally put into a lower wage category. Apparently little has been done to improve most unhealthy sur- roundings, which react harmfully upon the physical condition of the women. The Mothers' Welfare Committee must be on guard against all these evils. The committee enlists the cooperation of the work- ing women in its task putting into effect decrees pertaining to the safety of labor for women. Guid- ed by the committee the working women are on the lookout for pregnant working women; they improve sanitary conditions by installing wash stands, help organize public dining rooms in the workshops, etc. In Ukraine, the women, under the guidance of Comrade Moirova, are doing splendid work along these lines. They organize in all enterprises little units for the protection of motherhood. There the working women are to be found at the head of many institutions: nurseries, kindergartens, chil- dren's homes, homes for mothers, etc. . . The introduction of nurseries, so far, extends chiefly to the working women in the towns; it has rarely penetrated into the villages. The latter have but a few summer nurseries, which are especially needed during the season of field work. Digitized by Google January, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 29 Nevertheless, this problem will be solved suc- cessfully upon the material improvement of the general conditions in the country. Abolition of Illiteracy The working women have aided greatly in the campaign against illiteracy, having been called upon by the Women's Department of the Central Executive Committee of the Communist Party to help in this work. At present in a good many provinces women delegates are engaged in inspect- ing, organizing, and instructing in the schools. A good number of them are studying the principles of education. The educational problem was very broadly dis- cussed at all the women's conferences during the past few years. To solve the problem more suc- cessfully, the proletarian women on their own account have taken census of the illiterate female population, as the women of Yekaterinburg have done. Women in the Law Courts Women are also to be found in the courts of Russia in the capacity of jurors or judges. This has been especially popular among the oriental women of Russia. They have oeen living in domes- tic slavery for centuries, and are still oppressed by the heavy religious yoke. Now having been proclaimed free citizens by the laws of Soviet Russia they are entering upon a new life. They have begun to take an active part in the social life, having chosen the law courts as the first support for their freedom. The women of Bash- kiria and Turkestan are already performing judiciary functions. Working Women in the Schools The Women's Department, in their search for the most essential utilization of women's working power, selects a number of women who are detailed to dififerent schools. The special attention of the working women is called to the courses of study on the "Protection of Childhood and Motherhood". The head of the National Department for the Protection of Child- hood and Motherhood, Comrade Lebedeva, has or- ganized these courses very ably and has succeeded in raising the general standard of this work, as well as of the training for Red Nurses and attend- ants. The working women are also directed by the Women's Department to different Party Schools in which they form 10 per cent of the total attend- ance. In 1920, through the Women's Department, 3484 working and peasant women have been sent to party schools in 10 provinces. At the Sverdlov University — the chief party school — a special section for the study of political work among women has been established. Literary Propaganda among the Women Besides these schools, meetings and other methods of oral propaganda, the Women's Department also conducts an extensive literary propaganda. Seventy- four weekly papers issue a special page each week devoted to the woman question. Besides this, the Central Women's Department issues a weekly bulletin in which it proposes the program for work, and delegates, instructions, theses for propaganda and various information dealing with the working women's movement. The Central Women's Department publishes also a monthly, "Communist Women" with a circulation of 30,000 copies. The special literary Committee of the Central Women's Department supervises the issue of special literature, such as pamphlets, leaflets, etc., on ques- tions dealing with the working women's movement For the past half year over 400,000 copies of pamphlets dealing with problems concerning party work among the women have been issued by the Women's Department The report of the First International Communist Women's Conference has also made its appearance recently. Women and the Problems of Production At the present time, when the Workers' Republic is faced with the problem of constructing a new economic system of production along conununist lines, there arises the necessity of having women share the responsibility for this work. The new form of the organization of labor is based on: 1) A precise registration and efficient distribu- tion of all the labor forces of the Republic — women included. 2) Collective instead of individual housekeep- ing. 3) Reconstruction of the social standard of life on a new communist basis, so as to enable the women to contribute the whole amount of their labor to the production of common goods. The appeal to both sexes for equal participation in the productive activity of the Labor State great- ly alters the mutual relations of men and women. The dependence of woman upon her master and bread-giver, her husband, is rapidly vanishing. At present, the mighty Workers' Republic of Soviet Russia is the only bread-giver equally to men and women. "Those who work shall eat". The success- ful development of the new Commonwealth based on communism helps the women to gain more and more of a foothold in all phases of work. Since masses of men have been called to arms, women have entered all branches of state and industrial work. According to the information issued by the National Council of Trade Unions, women form a n^ajority in many industries. WOMEN IN THE TRADE UNIONS Unions Membership Food Workcre 230.000 Public feeding workers 100.000 White goods workers 140.000 Tobacco workers 30,000 Percentage of IT omen 74.5 74JJ 73.5 Digitized by Google 30 SOVIETRUSSIA January, 1922. Hwltal' and du' * n ^^'^^ ^^'^ chances for the future with those of Communism. ""* wo^rkere . /.T."^ 300,000 62.6 ^"* ^^ awakening of the peasant women is coming Textile workers 335.000 58.8 ^^i^c*^ i»ore slowly. Therefore it is the duty of Domestic workers 53.2 the Party to find a way to arouse the class con- cernment employees 800,000 40.0 sciousness of the peasant women Glass and porcelain workers. . 35,000 39.8 a „_««* ^„^„f ;„ «i„^ *«!,:« i • o • . t» Printers . 60,000 39.2 . ^ |^^^ event is also takmg place m Soviet Rus- Art workers 80,000 37.3 ^^^' ^^ awakenmg of the Moslem women. In all Stationery workers 22,000 37.1 the Eastern Republics of Soviet Russia, populated Ciiemical workers 130,000 31.0 by Musulmen, the Women's Department is conduct- Agricultural workers 200,000 25 i««r v«i^ xrUol ^^^U A ^^»^» ff^-* • j . n Workers on communal farms 178,000 24.8 *^S very vital work. A great effort is made to rally Metal workers 500,000 24.7 "^^^e women to the banners of the Soviet Republics Transport workers 100.000 233 and Communism. Large conferences of working Leather workers 150.000 21.6 women have been held all over Eastern Russia; Woodworkers" ' ! ! ! .' ! ." ! .' .' ." ! ! ! .' iS Jw Preparations for the First All-Russian Congress are Water transport workers 200,000 145 ^^ progress. A conference of Eastern women com- Railroad workers 1,000,000 14.2 munists has recently taken place in Moscow. Com- rrt , t . 1 . . , . , niunist women of Bashkiria, Kirgisia, Tataria, etc., There are but few industries m which women dressed in their national costumes, but their faces are not represented. But, although the women covered by the veil prescribed by the Moslem re- are predominant in many industries, their repre- Hgion, came to Moscow to their convention. sentaUon in factory administration committees is The Women's Department has also begun to still very limited. So for example: in the execu- work amongst the intellectual working women, such tive administrative bodies of the textile industry as teachers, writers, medical and telephone workers, in 38 provinces there are about ten women mem- The enormously difficult work done by the bers out of a total of 194, with the exception of Women's Department may be reviewed with joy and Kostroma, where women are in the majority on graUtude. Through the efforts of this Department the board of management of Oie Unions. the women have been drawn to all kinds of con- Results structive social and state work and have become Without the vast mass of proletarian women on fully conscious of their citizen rights. We find the the labor front no effective success can be achieved, working or peasant woman engaged at various Nor is the full emancipation of ten million workers responsible tasks. She is at the head of a depart- easily attained unless it is on a communist basis, ment, she acts as a commissar, she organizes public It is not actually possible to form the machinery dining rooms, or directs the social care of children, of the new Commonwealth without the help of She is represented in all phases of activity for the women. welfare of the State. She forms a part of the The Great Change machinery of the new Commonwealth. Her in- The great change brought about by the October terest in the work is greatly inspired by her duties Revolution has shown the workers the true light, as an equal citizen with man. The class-conscious- The strain which they are bearing in this period ness of the women has grown immensely in these of civil war has strengthened the will of the three years of social revolution. Women's power workers of both sexes. They now follow the great of organization has expanded immensely, assum- slogan of Karl Marx: "The workers shall gain ing a real mass character. It has become self- their freedom by their own efforts". The working evident that without the cooperation of the pro- women in the cities, as soon as they became con- letarian women in the Workers' Republic, the solu- scious of their rights, readily linked up their tion of its many problems is impossible. How the Soviet Government Works 1. The All-Russian Central Executive Committee (The following is tlie first of a series of articles on the institutions of the Soviet Governmeni which we are reprinting from ^''Russian Information and Review^\ published by the Russian Trade Delegation, London,) T N spite of the publication, over three years ago, issue decrees. The following sketches of the prin- •■• of the Soviet constitution, the nature of the cipal State organs are intended as an introduction organs through which the Government functions, to a wider and more detailed study of their work, and the methods of its work still remain an impen- The All-Russian Central Executive Committee of etrable mystery to the vast majority of even its Soviets was created as early as June, 1917, when friends in western Europe and America. It is the Soviets had not yet assumed State authority, unnecessary to discuss here the reasons for this; From a central unified executive organization, it is sufficient to state, with no fear of contradic- elected by the General Congress of Soviets from tion, that very little is known of the supreme all over Russia, it naturally became the central organs of authority in Russia except that they and, between congresses, the supreme legislative Digitized by Google January, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 31 body when the great change in the position of the Soviets took place in November, 1917. The A. R. C. E. C, according to the constitution of July, 1918, which was based on the practice of twelve months, consisted of 200 members elected by the All-Russian Congress. This number was increased at the eighth congress in December, 1920, to 300 members. At first the builders of the Soviet constitution conceived of an A. R. C. E. C. as a legislative body in more or less permanent session, working, consequently, in much the same way as western Parliaments, although its functions were much wider. Further experience, however, showed that the demands of the working masses for constant control over and contact with their representatives, the ever-present danger that those representatives would lose the vital acquaintance with local conditions which is essential for a revolutionary government, and the extreme short- age of practised experienced administrative work- ers in the districts, all combined to make it im- possible for the A. R. C. E. C. to remain constantly in session at Moscow. Since the beginning of 1920, therefore, the A. R. C. E. C. meets regularly once every two months for approximately a week. At these sessions it considers all decrees affecting political or economic life, or introducing radical changes into the existing State institutions. The regular reports of the People's Commissariats, or ministries, are considered at these sessions. The reports of the presidium, or standing committee, relative to the execution of the decisions of the last session during the intervening two months,and of various sub-committees appointed to work out specific questions, are also submitted and discussed. In practice the net result has been that only those members of the A. R. C. E. C. remain in Mos- cow who are (1) engaged on work in one of the People's Commissariats or State inter-department- al commissions; or (2) detailed for specific work by the A. R. C. E. C. either as members of the presidium or as representatives of the A. R. C. E. C. on various public bodies. The majority of the members, however, are engaged between the sessions on important work in their own provinces, members of executive committees, chiefs of de- partments, and so on. Detailed statistics are available to illustrate the work of the All-Russian Central Executive Com- mittee between January 1 and May 1 of the cur- rent year. At the three sessions 700 questions of a current nature were discussed, 132 being brought forward by private members, seventy-five by the People's Commissariat for Transport, sixty-nine by the Supreme Appeal Tribunal, and so on. The nature of the questions discussed is as follows: 353 administrative (involving questions of provincial boundaries and control of the activity of the People's Commissariats and local executive com- mittees) and 205 judicial (questions of amnesty, appeal,- etc. ) During these four months thirty-five commis- sions were instituted. Of these, five were in con- nection with draft projects for creating autonom- ous republics, five for reviewing the work of various institutions, four on questions of general administrative organization and questions of local government, four on judicial questions, and the remainder on economic questions and questions of the internal administration of the A. R. C. E. C. itself. Characteristic of the work of the A. R. C. E. C. is its "waiting room" in which any worker or peasant can see members of the highest legislative author- ity in the country without any annoying formali- ties and through him approach the presidium of the A. R. C. E. C. This institution, in fact, realizes in real life the long-dreamt-of ideal of the most advanced democrats, namely, the right of private individuals to initiate public legislation — which has never before been attained so effectively. During these four months, 1667 such cases were roistered, and 389 of them were rabed by peasants. To complete the picture of this unprecedented legislative body, which is at the same time a work" ing institution, both as a unit and in the person of each of its members, it is necessary to quote from the standing orders of the A. R. C. E. C, pub- lished in December, 1919, the provisions relative to the members. No member may be arrested without the consent of the presidium or the chair- man of the A. R. C. E. C. ; traveling expenses of the members are allowed by the presidium when they are traveling on public work; they may take part in a consultative capacity in the proceedings of all local Soviets and executive committees; they have the right, on production of their mandate, of admission to all Soviet institutions and depart- ments to obtain information on any point they require. On the other hand, no member of the A. R. C. E. C. may refuse to execute any task aaftigned to him by the presidium; every member must be actively engaged in Soviet work, either in a central or in a local organ of the Government; members of the A. R. C. E. C. who have failed to attend three successive sessions without adequate reasons forfeit their seats and are replaced by reserve members, or "candidates", elected at the same time as the A. R. C. E. C. at the All-Russian Congress; all members receive salary at fixed rates from the A. R. C. E. C, and receipt of addi- tional salary or income from any source is for- bidden. Summarizing the foregoing, it is clear that the All-Russian Central Executive Committee is specifically the organ which co-ordinates the ac- tivities of the local Soviet authorities and of the central Soviet organs; legislating, administrating, and exercising judicial functions at one and the same time. Its businesslike sessions and its quick and sensitive ear to the requirements of the masses make it a peculiarly successful example of the spirit of the Soviet Government Digitized by Google 32 SOVIET RUSSIA The Recognition of the Debts A Diplomatic Correspondence January, 1922. (Translation of a Note of the British Government, of November 2, handed by J. D. Gregory to the Russian Representative in London, Krassin, by order of Marquis Curzon of Kedleston.) I acknowledge receipt of your memorandum of October 28, accompanied by a copy of the communication of Mr. Chicherin, on the matter of Russians foreign debts. Mr. Chicherin, referring to the decisions passed by the Brus- sels G>nference, declares that the suggestion to acknowledge '*the old debts on certain conditions** at present cor- responds with the intentions of the Soviet Government. It is further declared in the note that the Soviet Govern- ment is ready to recognize its obligations toward other governments and their citizens, ansing on the basis of the national loans raised by the Tsar*8 Government before 1914, but solely under the condition that the great powers will conclude a final peace with the Soviet Government and recognize the Government of the Soviet Republic For this purpose, it is declared in the note, it is necessary to summon an international conference. His Majesty's Government recognizes that in making this declaration the Soviet Government has taken the only correct path to reach the goal which, by its declaration, it is striving for, namely: the economic cooperation with other Countries. But in this declaration there are pas- sages whose precise sense is not clear to His Majesty's Government, and before defining its attitude to this declara- tion as a whole, after consultation vrith the other govern- ments with which it is associated by jtheir mutual participa- tion in the International Famine Relief Commission, His Majesty's Government would like to receive further explan- ations with regard to certain passages. You point out that the recognition of what the Brussels Conference de- fined as the **existing debts and other obligations arising on the basis of established claims" is in accordance with the present intentions of the Soviet Government. But, on the other hand, your concrete proposal limits itself to the recognition of a single specific category of debts or obligations. His Majesty's Government would like to know whether it is in accordance with the desire of the Soviet Government at the present moment to recognize also other types of obligations, such, for example, as the loans to the Tsarist Government after 1914, the municipal and railway loans, and the claims of foreign owners of property situated in Russia, confiscated or destroyed by the Soviet Government. His Majesty's Government requests the Soviet Government to define clearly its attitude toward all claims of this kind. In Mr. Chicherin's note there are also other declarations requiring comment, such, for example, as the passage in which His Majesty's Government is accused of intending to support hostile intervention against the Soviet Govern- ment, as well as the passage in which it is asserted that the obligation to pay the loans loses force in the course of time. But His Majesty's Government considers it not desirable at the present time to raise further questions, aside from those raised above, n. {Translation of a Radio-telegram, of November 12, of the People*s Commissar for Foreign Affairs, addressed to the Russian Representative in London, Krassin, I beg you to assure the British Minister for Foreign Affairs of the pleasure with which the Soviet Government received the British answering note on the subject of the foreign loans. We note with satisfaction that the British Government, in asking explanation on various points con- nected with this general question, has thus actually opened up the way for a mutual solution of the problem with which we are faced in our common desire for collabora- tion in the economic field. We share the opinion of the British Government that certain phases of this problem are as yet quite obscure and will require explanation from both parties. We consider it evident that in view of their intricacies and complexities these questions cannot be successfully solved by an exchange of radio-telegrams and that formal negotiations would be the only means of illuminating the obscure points contained in them. Being convinced that an international conference is the only means for attaining satisfactory results in this matter, we propose that all disputed question of the kind men- tioned in the British answering note should be obligatorily submitted for the consideration of this conference, the more since we shall not have at our disposal actual figures concerning certain categories of claims mentioned in the above note, until the claims themselves are submitted to us by the other parties in the proper form. We consider the question of Russia's indebtedness to be only a spe- cific phase of the general problem of the reliabilitation of Russia, and of the still more important problem of the economic rehabilitation of the whole world. We therefore propose that each pi^rtial question touching the Russian loans should be investigated in connection with the problem as a whole, with which the whole world is faced and which requires a general consideration at the conference proposed by the Russian Government. We must specifically point out that a successful solution of these extrebiely complicated questions is absolutely impossible without mutual trust and good will, which may best of all be called forth in the course of a common labor at the conference, on questions having a vital significance for the interested parties. But the first condition for such mutual trust must be the cessation of the systematic ex- clusion of Russia from international conferences on ques- tions touching her interests, as well as the cessation of all attempts to force upon Russia decisions taken without her participation. Only when the Russian Republic shall be convinced that her interests are not being made use of as an object of trading between other powers, only then will the atmosphere of confidence be produced without which a successful solution of the question of her .in- debtedness and her economic rehabilitation will forever remain doubtful. But it is necessary at present to men- tion that the question raised by the British Government as to a declaration alleged to have been contained in our note, to the effect that the force of obligations of indebted- ness decreases in the course of a certain time, is the outcome merely of an error in telegraphic transmission. In our note to you we pointed out that not a single people is obliged to pay for the chains which it has borne in the course of previous centuries; in other words, a people that has freed itself from despotism is not obliged to pay the debts of the previous despotic government which made use of these loans against its own people. But we have always maintained that we shall carry out with the utmost scrupulousness all the money obligations of our own government. In view of this standpoint taken by us toward the Tsarist debts, we believe that in declaring our readiness to recognize the loans of the period before the war we are making an extremely important concession, and the actual aim of this concession is to smooth the way for a full agreement, for economic collaboration in common tasks, in the field of production and exchange. CnicHERm, People*s Commissar for Foreign Affairs, CORRECTION An error appears in the translation of the Note of the Soviet Government of October 28, 1921, published in the December number of Soviet Russia, page 260. The trans- lation which we published contained the following phrase: *'No people is obliged to pay those debts which are as chains riveted on it through long centuries." Correctly translated from the official Russian text, this phrase should read: "No people is obliged to pay the price of the chains which have been imposed upon it during centuries.' Digitized by Google January, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 33 RECOGNITION OF SOVIET RUSSIAN RED CROSS The recognition of the Soviet Russian Red Cross as a member of the International Red Cross is announced in the following letter from the Chairman of the Interna- iiorutl Committee at Geneva to the Central Committee of the National Red Cross organizations: International Red Cross Committee Inter Arma Caritas Geneva, October 15, 1921. To the Chairman and Members of the Central Committee of the Red Cross. Gentlemen: The 10th Internationa] Conference of the Red Cross, m its plenary session of April 4, 1921, at Geneva, recog- nized that the International Committee had taken proper action with regard to the Soviet Red Cross, and advised it to continue the negotiations with the Soviet Government m order to obtain for the delegate^ of the International Committee and of the Red Cross Societies which should request it, authorization to enter Russia to bring relief to the population. Pursuant to this suggestion, the International Committee informed the Soviet Russian Red Cross by wireless of July 6 that, on inspection of the report of its delegate Dr. W. Wehrlin, who had returned from Russia, the committee was ready to recognize and maintain official relations with it, if normal intercourse were established between the two organizations, and particularly if the Committee's delegate were allowed to go to Moscow to there represent the International Committee in the offices of the Soviet Red Cross and Government, as the delegates of the Russian Red Cross at Berne represented it in the offices of the International Committee. An affirmative and satisfactory answer having reached OS under date of August 6, and our delegate having been able to return to Moscow, we have the honor to make known to you that we can now officially recognize the Red Cross of Moscow as the National Red Cross Society in Russia, i. e., in the part of the Russian Empire which constitutes the territory of the **Soviet Russian Federative Socialist Republic**. This Society, in fact, satisfies the essential requirements which have to be met by every National Red Cross Society. The Swiss Department of State has certified to us that present day Russia was always considered as one of the signatory states of the Geneva Convention. The Red Cross has been recognized by the Soviet Gov- ernment as a National Society and as an auxiliary to the official health Service (ordinances of the Soviet Govern- ment dated August 7, 1918 and July 8, 1920, which we copy below ) ; and the official representative of the Red Croes in Russia, Dr. Bagotzky, at Berne, has, by letter of August 28 and September 7, 1920, formally stated to us that no other national Red Cross Society will be recog- nized in the territory of the Soviet Republic. It has at its head a Centra] Committee, the membership of which we give below. It admits to the organization all its nationals without distinction of sex, faith or politic- al opinion, and includes in its sphere of action the whole territory of the Soviet Republic The by-laws show that the other requirements are likewise satisfied. By thus recognizing the Russian Red Cross of the Soviet Republic, the International Committee does not intend to renounce the de facto relations which it has with the former Russian Red Cross organization, in view of the humanitarian activity which it has demonstrated and is still carrying on outside of the territory of the Soviet Republic on behalf of the Russian refugees in foreign countries. The Central Committee of the Russian Red Cross at Moacow is at present made up of the following members: Dr. Zenobius Soloviev, Chairman; Dr. Alexander Goloub- koT, Vice-Chairman; Eugene Korovin, Secretary; Dr. Michael Baranov, Maxim Dtvinov, Alexander Dogadov, Michael Urivayev. Its address is: Leontievsky 11, Moscow. Please accept, gentlemen, the assurance of our very high regard. For the International Red Cross Committee^ GusTAVE Ador, Chairman. Paul Des Gouttes, General Secretary. • • • The Representative of the Soviet Russian Red Cross in America is Dr. D. H. Dubrowsky, Room 1102, 110 West 40th Street, New York City. THE RUSSIAN REPRESENTATIVE . IN GERMANY On November 15, Krestinsky, the Representative of Soviet Russia, was received by Dr. Wirth and handed his credentials to be forwarded to President Elbert. During the reception the following were present: Brodovsky, secretary of the Russian Em- bassy; Stomonjakov, the commercial representa- tive; German Secretary of State, Haniel; of the Foreign Office, Baron Maltzahn, director of the Eastern Department and Hauschild, Director of the Russian Section. Krestinsky made the following address: **Sir, in handing over my credentials to be placed in the hands of the President, I greet in your person the Government of the German Repub- lic. **For the rebirth of Russia, which has been de- stroyed by the imperialist and civil wars, as well as by the intervention and blockade, the resump- tion and extension in all directions of relations with Germany is a vital necessity. Also the eco- nomic situation of Germany since the war demands cooperation with Russia. These common interests found their first legal expression in the treaty of May 6, 1921.* In the name of the Soviet Govern- ment I express the hope that relations between Germany and Russia will not remain limited to the bounds of the Treaty of May 6, and that there will be a still closer cooperation between Germany and Russia, which is necessary for the interests of both peoples." Dr. Wirth replied: **Sir, I thank you for the words of greeting which you have addressed to me, and which have given expression to the necessity of making the relations between Russia and Germany still more intimate. At the same time I must express my satisfaction that the Soviet Russian Government desires to maintain good relations with Germany. I declare for my part that I consider it my chief task to achieve a strengthening of the relations of both peoples on the basis of cooperation. The wish which you express I shall communicate to the president of the state." After this reception Krestinsky was received by President Ebert. Novy Mir, Berlin. •Full text in Soviet Russia, July, 1921. Digitized by Google 34 SOVIET RUSSIA January, 1922. Commerce and Industry (The following data on various enterprises undertaken by Russians at home and abroad show how shortsighted is the policy of those governments tliat will make no Trade Agreements with Russia,) SEPTEMBER IMPORTS AND EXPORTS Incomplete returns show the following figures of imports and exports at various Russian ports and frontier stations during September: Petrograd, — Imports: 69,830 tons, mainly steel rails, fuel, and seed corn. This figure is exclusive of 3,000 tons of foodstuffs for famine relief, of which over 2,000 tons was consigned to the Amer- ican Relief Administration. Exports: 11,650 tons, mainly flax, hemp, and timber. Yamburg (Esthonian frontier — ^goods via Reval). — Imports: 41,350 tons, mainly seed and food- stuffs. Exports: 110 tons of flax and hemp. Sebezh (Latvian frontier — goods via Riga). — Imports: 17,800 tons, apart from 4,880 tons of foodstuffs consigned to the American Relief Admin- istration. Byeloostrov (Finnish frontier). — Imports: 1,900 tons, mainly paper. Archangel. — Imports: 4,150 tons, mainly salt fish. Exports: 5,800 tons of planks, tar, and seal skins. Black Sea Ports. — Novorossisk, 1,700 tons of agricultural implements; Odessa, 17,350 tons of coal and coke; Nikolaiev, 4,300 tons of coal; Mariupol, 3,300 tons of coal. The imports mentioned v above amount to over 160,000 tons, which should be compared with the total imports for January, 12,000 tons; and for July, 91,000 tons. PURCHASES IN ENGLAND The following figures supplied by the Russiain Trade Delegation, London, show the actual pur- chases made in the United Kingdom by the All- Russian Co-operative Society, Ltd., for shipment to Russia on behalf of the Russian Government. These are the purchases made during this year, and do not include purchases amounting to £2,000,000 made before the end of 1920. Purchases made in Great Britain by Arcos dur- ing 1921: £ January, 1921 56,ai4 February 212,271 March 126,995 April 627,885 May 354,361 June 844,522 July 440,997 August 303,404 September 1,096,928 Total January-September, 1921 £4,064,207 These figures relate to definite purchases made, and are not comparable month by month with the English Board of Trade figures for exports, for the obvious reason that some time elapses between the purchase and the actual despatch of goods to Russia. The following table shows the actual de- spatch of goods to Russia during the first nine months of the present year: the figures for the earlier months, of course, include shipments of goods actually purchased in 1920. Shipped from Great Britain to Russia during 1921: Various £ January 269,290 February 342,843 March 375,087 April 235,629 May 571,184 June 372,895 July 415,364 August 498,447 September ... 362,419 Total 3,443,158 Coal Total £ £ 269,290 342,843 7,919 383,006 235,629 571,184 372,895 57,751 473,115 116,675 615,122 110,289 472,708 292,634 3,735,792 In order to show the various industries which have benefited from these purchases for Russia, an analysis is given below of the total purchases from the beginning of operations in the autumn of 1920 up to September 30, 1921. Chief items purchased by Arcos for Russia: £ Cloth 2,173,458 Readymade clothing 254,650 Jute sacks 70,483 Agricultural machinery, implements, and ironmongery 436,350 Textile machinery 118,496 Machine belts 100,816 Machine parts 6,248 Steel ropes 89,396 Binder twine 94,622 Medical and scientific instruments. . . . 16,926 Seed 374,746 Foodstuffs 2,018,299 Drugs and chemicals 279,560 Boots 14,013 Fishing nets 11,160 All of the above figures relate to purchases actu- ally made in the United Kingdom. Digitized by Google January, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 35 Apart from these purchases made in the United Kingdom, the All-Russian Co-operative Society in London has made purchases abroad, mainly in America and Germany, amounting to £2,300,000 for the period up to September 30, 1921. This in- cludes £328,000 for coal purchased in America during the early part of this year; £290,000 for agricultural machines from America; and about £274,000 for chemicals, mainly from Switzerland and Germany. PURCHASES FOR FAMINE RELIEF The People's Commissariat for Foreign Trade had made the following purchases of food stuffs abroad for famine relief, up to October 1: Article Flour Flour Wheat Rye Haricots Peas Peas Peas Rice Herrings Meat Meat Salt Pork Hams Suet Suet Suet Dripping Dripping Chocolate Cocoa Dried Vegetables Dried Vegetables Sugar Soap Place of Purchase London Lithuania London London London London Finland Lithuania , London London London France London London London Finland Lithuania London Riga London London Finland France London London Quantity Purchased (Tons) 56,917 450 371,255 10,870 18,771 2,405 300 660 6,550 24,933 900 1,333 2,260 170 1,417 32 83 833 1,267 83 747 62 373 2,687 883 The Commissariat for Foreign Trade also bought a large amount of goods in England, Germany, and Sweden, which they intend to barter for food in the unaffected provinces. The Comimissariat has also purchased large quantities of seed for the famine area. SALE OF RUSSIAN PRODUCE IN ENGLAND Sin^'e the beginning of this year, produce from Soviet Russia has begun to arrive regularly in Great Britain, where it has been sold for the Russian Government by the All-Russian Co-opera- tive Society, Ltd. Before the signing of the trade agreement the business done was infinitesimal, but since May there has been a steadily increasing volume of imports from Russia, and in the last three months substantial sale have been effected. The following figures published by the Russian Trade Delegation, London, show the total sales month by month, up to November 18, the latest date for which statistics are available: Sales of Russian production in Great Brietain by Arcos, 1921: £ January 260 February 17,225 March 550 April 7,431 May 36,283 June 52,304 July 53,321 August 52,588 September 119,798 October 424,134 November 1-18 372,131 Total £1,136,025 The most important item has been timber, large quantities of which are coming through from Archangel and Petrograd. The following are the main items sold during the period January 1 to November 18, 1921: Analysis of sales of Russian produce, 1921: £ Bristles 4,187 Caviare 1,845 Copper 26,300 Flax, hemp, and tow 202^35 Furs 11,268 Hides, goats, camel, and horse hair. . . • 1,994 Lycopodium 3,615 Manganese 8,550 Oil 121,756 Pitch 24,600 Potash 5,916 Sunflower seed oilcake 8,120 Timber 683,860 Tobacco 16,486 Tar 14,414 The total value of the Russian produce sold in Great Britain during this year is, of course, much smaller than the total value of Russian purchases in Great Britain, but the monthly figures show that the margin between purchases and sales is becoming narrower; for the month of October the sales actually exceeded the purchases. Else- where in this issue of Soviet Russia full details of Russia's purchases up to September 30 are given during October the new purchases amounted to £282,498; and the actual shipments to Russia dur- ing that month (including, of course, goods bought earlier) amounted to £797,450. The following are the main items in the pur- chases made in England during October: Digitized by Google 36 SOVIET RUSSIA January, 1922. £ Foodstuffs 181,123 Coal and coke 59,008 Chemicals 10,119 Clothing and boots 9,612 Soap 8,406 Textile machinery 5,397 Hardware 4s286 The following comparison may be made be- tween Russian purchases and sales in Great Britain during the period January 1 to October 31, 1921: Total purchases £4,346,705 Total sales £763,894 Goods to the value of £2,000,000 bought by Russia in Great Britain at the end of 1920 are not included in the above; part of these goods was actually shipped only in 1921, so that the goods actually shipped from January 1 to October 31 amount to £4,533,242. When the final November figures are available, it will be apparent that, although Russian exports to Great Britain have taken longer to develop, yet they are steadily rising to tlie level of the Russian imports. In pre-war years, of course, Russia's exports of grain formed a high proportion of the total. At present, and for next year at least, no export of grain will be possible, but given good weather conditions and a fair harvest next year, it might become possible to resume grain exports in 1923. A great deal depends, however, on the adequate supply of agri- cultural machinery and implements, of locomotives, etc., and in the interval Russia's total imports must exceed her exports. The figures given above, however, show that considerable progress has been made in the export of produce other than grain; and the general revival of production which is now taking place in Russia will result in the steady growth of these exports. The stock of logs at the saw mills at the end of October was as follows: EXPORTS FROM NORTHERN TIMBER TRUST Syeverolyes — the State Trust for the exploitation of the northern forest areas — had completed its organization in the Archangel and Murman areas by the end of October. All saw mills have been taken over, also fifty-seven steam vessels for river and White Sea transport Up to October 16, four- teen vessels, laden with 11,811 standards of timber, had been despatched to England; one vessel, with 661 standards, had been sent to Norway; and one vessel, with 536 standards, to Holland. In the second half of October nine ships were being load- ed with 8, 540 standards for England and two ships with 1,300 standards for Norway, and a fur- ther six vessels with a loading capacity of 6,750 standards were expected. The Syeverolyes will therefore have been able to despatch to foreign markets, before the close of the navigation period, nearly 30,000 standards, the value of which is about 500,000 pounds sterling. Logs For Savring Other* Archangel 810,642 645,142 165,500 Onega 287,695 167,400 120,295 Mezen 169,000 109,000 60,000 1,267,337 921,542 345,795 Intensive work is being carried on, the mills at Archangel working one and a half shifts, at Onega two shifts, and at Mezen three shifts per day. THE LEATHER INDUSTRY In the first half of 1921 the tanneries of the R. S. F. S. R. dressed a total of 3,451,000 hides— 1,686,000 large and 1,765,000 small. This is twenty-eight per cent more than was produced in the first half of 1920, and twenty-two per cent more than in the second half of 1920. The average monthly dressing of skins was as follows: Large Small Total First half, 1920.... 166,000 284,000 450,000 Second half, 1920. . 171,000 299,000 470,000 First half, 1921... 281,000 294,000 575,000 The following table shows the production in relation to the program: Large Small January — June, 192L hides hides Total Program 1,679 2,500 4,099 Actually tanned 1,686 1,765 3,451 Percentage of program 107 70 88 The production of footwear for the first half of this year was 3,677,000 pairs, as compared with 3,337,000 pairs for the same period of 1920. During the first seven months of this year (up to July 31) 57,542 saddles and 53,270 sets of har- nesses were produced — 114 per cent and forty- nine per cent of the program respectfully. The number of leather industry enterprises and the number of workers engaged in them for the months of June and July were as follows: Tanneries 1,136 36,243 Boot factories 450 43,331 Harness works 89 8,584 Total 1,675 88,208 The new economic policy and the system of collective payment are showing some remarkable results in increased output. The following figures are available for the Skorohod boot factory and leather works in Petrograd. During October the output was 667,480 pairs of bcots and shoes, as compared with 48,000 pairs in August and 10,000 Digitized by Google January, 1922, SOVIET RUSSIA 37 pairs in May. This tremendous increase in pro- ductivity was achieved in spite of the reduction of the stafiF by 333 workers. Similarly, the tannery prepared 5,058 large and 12,653 small skins, as compared with 3,628 large and 10,548 small in September. The number of employees in the boot factory is now 1,883, and in the tannery 303 . REPAIR OF THE RIVER FLEET The program of repairs of the river fleet for the 1921 season was completed by September 1. Ac- cording to the program 2,650 steam vessels were to be repaired by that date; but the work was carried on with such enthusiasm that the number of steamers actually repaired by that date was 3,172. This represents 120 per cent of the pro- gram. By September 1 5,935 other vessels had also been repaired — 149 in excess of the program. BAKU OIL OUTPUT Statistics to the end of October show that the output of the Baku oilfields, which had remained almost stationary from July to September, rose rapidly with the introduction of collective pay- ment in October. The monthly output was as follows: Tons Average, January to June, 1921 220,000 July 196,000 August 196,000 September 195,000 October 210,000 TRADE WITH FRANCE In view of the development of trade between Soviet Russia and England, Italy, Greece, and other countries, the representatives of French firms have started negotiations with the Ukrainian Trade Dele- gation in Constantinople, in order to find a market in Black Sea ports for French products. NEGOTIATIONS WITH BELGIUM The Belgian Minister for Foreign Affairs has announced that Belgium intends to resume negotia- tions with Soviet Russia for the conclusion of a Trade Agreement WORKERS' itELIEF The steamer "Frida Horn" left Stettin on Nov- ember 20 for Petrograd with over 600 tons of food, tools and clothes which had been collected by the Workers' Relief Committee in Berlin. In con- nection with the departure of the steamer a demon- stration of the workers of Stettin took place in the free port of Stettin. — Rosta JFieru RECENT IMPORTS Considerable shipments arrived in Soviet Russia via Esthonia during the last week in November, comprising 29 carloads rye, 49 carloads wheat, 40 carloads paper, 7 carloads sugar, 4 carloads steam boilers, 3 carloads condensed milk, 4 car- loads beans, 3 carloads saws, 1 carload soap, 1 carload motor pumps and miscellaneous goods. — Rosta. Children's Relief {The American Committee for the Relief of Russian Children has supplied us with the follow- ing statement of their aims and work:) , Long before Russia %ade her appeal to the world to send food to relieve her famine stricken districts, a committee of American men and women organized a drive for relief for Russian children. This committee went quietly about its work, making several shipments of milk during the spring, and was one of the first to respond to the call for famine relief from Maxim Gorky. Immediately after the call was sounded several hundred cases of milk were forwarded by this committee. The American Committee for the Relief of Russian Children did its work chiefly through the American liberals. It abstained from touching the labor movement for the reason that it fel that other forces could make the appeal to the workers more effectively. The Committee appealed directly to the liberal men and women of New York, and met with a hearty response. Up to date approxim- ately $10,000 worth of dry and condensed milk have been shipped direct to the Commissariat of Health at Moscow through the Soviet Russia Medical Relief Society and the Russian Red Cross. The Russian Red Cross is, at present, the medium through which shipments are reularly made. The work of this group is now being extended to other cities, where local drives are being organ- ized in behalf of the children. Committees have been started in Philadelphia, Pa., and Greenwich, Conn., and similar organizations are being estab- lished in other cities. On the various committees now serving are: Dr. Phyllis Ackerman, John Haynes Holmes, Dr. Judah L. Magnes, Dr. Henry Neumann, B. C. Vladeck, Helen Hartley Jenkins, Crystal Eastman, Clare Sheridan, Walter Lippmann, Martha Davis, Ruth Pickering, Dr. D. H. Dubrowsky, Dr. John Ochsol, Mrs. Stewart Chase, Mrs. D. H. Dubrowsky, Anna Walling, Mrs. Newell Dwight Hillis, Mrs. J. E. Quan, Mrs. Prince Hopkins, Miss Ely, Mrs. C. D. Lanier, and James Quan. Checks may be sent to the American Committee for the Relief of Russian Children, Room 506, 110 West 40th St., New York, N. Y. Digitized by Google 38 SOVIET RUSSIA January, 1922. Books Reviewed N. LENIN: The Meaning of the Agricultaral Tax; N. BUKHARIN: The New Economic Policy of Soviet Russia; S. J. RUTGERS: The Intellectuals and the Russian Revolution. In one volume. Chicago: Charles H. Kerr and Company, 1921. Qoth« 127 pp. The three articles published together in this volume are not on entirely related subjects, but each is sufficiently interesting in itself to make the enterprise of getting them out in book form distinctly worth while. It is unfortunate, however, that Lenin*s famous article on the Agricultural Tax (dated April 21, 1921) should appear here in the same incomplete form in which Soviet Russia reprinted it, in July, from The Russian Press Review. Later, in The Communist International, Nos. 16-17, a much fuller version appeared, which we have not since reprinted in Soviet Russia, for the reason that there have been too many other matters of importance to place before our readers. But we recommend to the publishers of this book that they get the full text of the Lenin article for their second edition. The remaining article^^ the book are by men who are not strangers in Amenca. Bukharin and Rutgers were members of the Socialist Publication Society in New York, in the organization of which Trotsky also participated, which brought out a quarterly magazine called The Class Struggle for several years, beginning when the United States entered the European War, in 1917, and ending with the transfer of the periodical to the ownership of the Communist Labor Party of America in 1919. It is amusing to recall that Trotsky, now Conunissar of War, but then not yet completely divorced from his pacifist leanings, was for a weekly publication of the paper, and for calling it **Against the War**. Even before Trotsky^s departure from America, in March, 1917, Bukharin re- turned to Russia, while Rutgers remained for a time, finally reaching Russia in 1918. Those who recall The New International, a paper run by Rutgers and Fraina in 1917, will be particularly interested to be reminded of an article by Lenin that appeared in its columns long be- fore the November Revolution, in which Lenin states with the utmost definiteness the same position taken by him four years later, in the article of April 21, included in the volume here being reviewed: **Hist'>ric conditions have made the Russians, perhaps, for a short period, the leaders of the revolutionary world proletariat, but Socialism cannot now prevail in Russia. We can expect only an agrarian revolution, which will help to create more favorable conditions for further de- velopment of the proletarian forces and may result in measures for the control of production and distribution. The main result of the present Revolution will have to be the creation of more favorable conditions for further revolutionary development and to influence the more high' fy-developed European countries into action" {The New ntemational, July 23, 1917.) Those who now complain that the Russian Revolution is going back on its principles should remember that even Lenin did not believe in 1917 that a complete Social Revolution would grow out of the Russian action of that year. Louis C. Fraina, one of the editors of The Class Struggle in 1917, quoting the above words of Lenin in the latter periodical (they originally appeared in a letter to Swiss comrades, written after his departure for Russia), says: *Tn his course of action, Lenin seems to be what one might call a revolutionary opportunist. He is not blind to the impracticability of establishing Socialism, but he wishes to use the present situation for revolutionary inter- national action." {The Class Struggle, Vol. I. No. 2, p. 140.) But let us return to Bukharin and Rutgers. The former*s contribution, a lecture delivered July 8, 1921, to the Third International Delegates at Moscow, also takes up the new economic policy of Russia, and draws a thorough picture of affairs in Russia at the time, closing ¥rith the following brilliant contrast: "Paul Levi and all the opportunists of the world say: 'You see, the Bolsheviks are making concessions to the peasants and we make concessions to the masses.* But this analogy is not correct. We make concessions to secure the equilibrium of the Soviet system, Levi makes con- cessions to maintain the capitalist equilibrium, and he does not seem to notice this little difference. We might as well say that there is an army in France and there is an army here, a police system there and an Extraordinary Commission here. The essential point is — what are the class functions of these institutions, and which class do they serve? Whoever makes abstraction of the class lives in the skies, not on earth. And I think it would be better if our enemies remain in the skies and we remain on solid earth.** The gem of the collection is the essay of Rutgers, *The Intellectuals and the Russian Revolution**. Rutgers begins with an analysis of the role of the intellectual in bourgeois life. He shows that in capitalist society, the middle-class intellectuals are permitted by the bour- geoisie to attain a certain relative independence in matters material and mental, a degree that is determined by the value the bourgeoisie sets on their services. Yet the middle-class intellectual leads, within this "^independence**, a life of deadly dullness, which makes him precisely the most active propagandist of Imperialism, by driving him out into whatever adventurous phases the system may still have. The New Republic, it will be remembered, attribut- ed America's entrance into the war to the intellectuals, and Rutgers says: "The more desperate the reality of bourgeois life, the more passionate and utterly reckless the ardor with which the more energetic among them embrace this new ideal. Pioneers of science, engineers, ministers of religion, soldiers, politicians, and journalists, leaving their study, sally forth to the conquest of the world, penetrating into the farthest recesses of Asia and Africa. And the home-stayers have a new task in keeping down by fraud and by force the tumultuous masses, the 'enemies of culture*.** Coming to the subject -of the- attitude of the intellectual classes in Russia toward the Revolution — and here he bases his remarks both on a priori grounds and on his own travels in Russia, as an inspector of Public Works — Rutgers expresses the view that the intellectuals will not in most cases be sympathetic toward the Revolution, or permit themselves to be employed in its service, and takes issue with Karl Radek for having stated that the intel- lectuals in Western Europe would show more eagerness to help the Revolution than they have in Russia. Through- out his discussion of the Russian intellectual, on whom he counts but little, Rutgers seems to be moved chiefly by the consideration expressed by him in the magnificent dilemma: "It is the same as with the productivity of industrial labor, which declines when food is insufficient, while an increase in the food-production is possible only when the productivity of industrial labor increases. Simi- larly, control of the intellectuals by the workers is neces- sary in the very first place; but for this a degree of culture is required, the monopoly of which is provisionally held by the intellectuals.** Rutgers admits that some elements coming from the middle class will be of assist- ance to the workers in their struggle: "Single individuals of the bourgeois intellectual middle-class join the workers* class; it is plain they do so, and logical that they should since they are members of a middle-class,** — but he does not believe that they are in many cases devoted and permanent adherents. He finds, for instance, that one of the great difficulties of the Hungarian Soviet Republic was "the fraternal coroperation between Social-patriots and Communists in a conquest of power at which no blood was shed; high sounding declarations of engineers and intellectuals, who put themselves at the service of the Soviet administration in order to co-operate in the recon- struction. Result: extensive corruption from the outset, an organization of industry in which the workers have nothing to say, systematic treason, . . . and, in the end. Digitized by Google _ _ January, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA ^ 39 surrender and the toleration of a bestial white terror." (Pages 81, 82, 92.) Rutgers does not hope for much from bureaucrats and intellectuals anywhere, cerUinly not in the great Russian centres, not even from the new bureaucratic elements rising from the proletariat (p. 92), but is enthusiastic in de- scribing the new educational system, which is to teach the workers what they need to know in order to work and govern, instead of making them mere automatons and good-for-nothing office-holders. He finds that the best chances for the development of a new spirit among gov- ernment employees are in the provinces. **From my in- specting tours in the provinces I always returned in a hopeful mood. In the smaller units better work was done; there was more organization there, more enthusiasm, more sense of the new, than among the generality of the officials in the great bureaux of Moscow.** (Page 91.) CMEHA BEX. The Change of Landmarks. Katerinska uL c. 40, Prague II. CMEHA BEX. The Change of Landmarks. A Weekly Journal, 12 Rue Lagrange, Paris. Since the November Revolution in Russia nearly two million Russian refugees have been living in Europe. Before the revolution these people were divided into a number of political factions bitterly opposed to each other, bat here, in exile, they were united by one feeling — a fierce hatred of the present rulers of Russia. For four years attempt followed attempt "to free Russia from the usurpers". Kolchak, Denikin, Yudenich, Wrangel — Ger- many, England, France, Greece, Japan — all failed to restore power to those who once held it. At present the prospects of a rapid downfall of the Soviet Government are more remote than ever — a fact which most of the exiles fully realize, although they have not taken the trouble to under- itand the reasons for this fact. Some, however, have been carefully considering the whole position, and the result of their thinking has been the publication of a Tolume of political essays and of a weekly journal, both bearing the same siznificant name — Smiena Viekh — ^**The Giange of Landmarks**. ''Our old landmarks must be changed. They led us to disaster. Let us admit our errors and make peace with those whom we have fought as enemies, but who have proved by their victories that they and not we represent the true will of our people.** . . . Such is the appeal addressed by this group of Russian emigres to their fellow-exiles. Will it be heeded? The outcry raised against it in the emigre Press would seem lo suggest that no widespread conversion to the new policy can be looked for in the immediate future. But the message is found to have far-reaching results. These are assured both by the composition of the new groups 4nd tlie remorseless logic of actual events. Who are these new defenders of the Russian revolution? ^J^fWing Social Revolutionaries, Mensheviks, or Interna- tionalists? No, they come from an entirely different camp. They Are moderate liberals of the Cadet and even Octobrist pattern, and include a former minister in the Kolchak G^cmment (Professor Kluishnikov), as well as several atcllcctuals — professors, writers, lawyers — who played an active and orominent part in the series of campaigns ifiinst the Soviet Government. This political past makes it all the more interesting to study the reasons which have brought these former enemies of the November Revolution and of all for which it stood not only to bow before the inevitable md accept their own defeat, but also to renounce their old political views and believe in the new Russia of today. They begin by analyzing the causes of the defeat of the anti-Soviet forces. On this point there is complete Bnanimity amongst the various members of the group. TWy all agree that it is a mistake to regard the November Kerolution as the work of a small clique of political nhenturers. On the contrary, it sprang from the very ^pths of the national consciousness, and in it the demands and interests of the masses found their only possible form of realization. The masses, states Professor Kluishnikov, rose not only against the propertied and ruling classes, in whom they could not fail to see their enemies, but also against their supposed friends — the intelligentsia — who helped to bring about the revolution, but while acting in the name of the people were really in mortal fear of the people. The Russian masses refused to acknowledge this spiritual tutelage, this division into aristocracy and plebs. They wanted to act themselves according to their inner lights, their own sense of right and justice, and they rejected, firmly and repeatedly, the attempted mentor- ship of their cultured well-wishers. Both in the sphere of material interest and in the sphere of intellectual and political leadership the overwhelming mass of the Russian people declared for complete "autonomy" from their former masters and tutors. And hence their stubborn and suc- cessful defence of the independence they have won against all attacks. Still, there remains the question: does the group of emigres feel that the revolution has justified itself in the light of its own achievements? And further; what par- ticular achievements are these representatives of liberal thought willing to embrace and support? To take the most burning question of Russian economics, do they endorse the Communist system? No, with perfect frankness thery all maintain that under present conditions Communism is an improbability. It is true, some of them are prepared to admit that in throwing out the idea of Communism the Russian revolution has been fulfilling its historic mission. **The idea of Socialism and Com- munism is the 'inquiry* addressed by the Russian revolu- tion to history. Its experiment of a Communist Inter- national by means of a proletarian State is its challenge to time" (Professor Ustrialov). But at the same time he remarks, '^Revolution only throws out a 'programme* into the future; it is never able to carry it out in the prseent." For the present, therefore, a return to the capitalist or semi-capitalist conditions in Russia seems to these writers both unavoidable and desirable, and the so-called "new economic policy" of the Soviet Government naturally meets with their unreserved approval. One might suspect here that this supposed failure of Communism is probably the actual reason of "the change of landmarks," the change of front. Curiously enough, it is not the failures, but the successes of the revolution that our authors proclaim as deserving recognition and wholehearted support. It is one of the most significant characteristics of this movement that the principal achieve- ments on which it lays stress are not any of the avowed objects accomplished by the revolution, but rather its by-pr»duct8 and accessories, produced by the peculiar conditions under which it has been developing. These achievements are: the unification of Russia under a single authority, the creation of a powerful army, and the establishment of a strong, firm, and resolute Govern- ment. A few quotations will show how strong is this nationalist and patriotic motive in the new faith of thees converts to Soviet Russia. "History has compelled the Russian 'Communist* Republic, in spite of its official dogma, to take upon itself the national task of gathering together the scattered parts of Russia, and at the same time of restoring and augmenting the strength of her inter- national position. . . The other positive result of the work of the Soviet Government must be recognized in the fact that (again, it would seem, against its own theories) this Government has been compelled to create a strong and disciplined army — which is the first condition of existence for every State." . . . (S. Chakkotin). To this A. Bobrishchev-Pushkin adds: "For the defenders of the Russian State, for patriots, the main question is: What has the Soviet Govern- ment been for Russia — a cement, joining her broken parts, filling her cracks; or a corroding acid? In spite of all the curses of the emigre press, the ansvrer becomes ever more evident: No, not an acid, but a cement; not a centrifugal, anarchic force, but a ^ Digitized by Google 40 SOVIET RUSSIA centripetal, a State force. And if this is so, much can be endured, much can be forgiven, and much can be borne with patience in the hope of a brighter future. The important fact is that this future is in strong and firm hands, and not in the weak hands of tiiose who proved themselves unworthy of power yet clung to it without any right, since to have the right to power one must be strong." Another point characteristic of the position of this group is the belief that the present is the last revolu- tion in Russia and that, therefore, it has ushered in an era of evolution which, for the first time in the history of Russia, will make possible a full-blooded and power- ful Russian liberalism as weU as a progressive and stable Russian conservatism. But though these features of Soviet Russia may have provided the principal stimulus in reconciling these patriotic intellectuals with the revolution, it would be wrong to suggest that they remain blind to other successes it has achieved, or that they welcome it only in so far as it is bringing back the old conditions. The general attitude of this group is put very succinctly in a leading article in its journal, a quotation from which may fittingly con- clude the present review: **To see in a revolution only horrors and mistakee would be tantamount to failing to see a revolution at all. The ruin it works is the path to a new creative achievement. And it cannot be doubted that every genuine revolution reveals itself infinitely more in creation than in destruction. In this, however, lies the tragedy of transitional periods; their negative sides strike the eyes with a much greater force than their positive sides. How can one prove to those who are prejudiced that to-day there is taking plac« Hie most stupendous and enlightening change in the mind of the entire Russian nation, that illiteracy is being rapidly suppressed, that a new semi-intelligentsia and intelligentsia are rising from the midst of the working classes, that there is growing a new national sentiment, that a new conception of government is gradually evolving, that art is finding its way into new popular spheres, that science and technical progress are tackling and solving sew tasks tind problems, that imperceptibly the problem of nationnli- ties is being removed from actual life, that new pros- pects are being opened up for the establishment of a first international peace? We did not see this before, seized as we were with the passions of the fight and absolutely confident of the truth and justness of our very moderate demands. We see and feel it with all our hearts to-day, at the moment when we Lnve renounced the futile and harmful struggle and have realized the vastness of all the possibilities which are opening up before Russia." January, 1922. Such statemcnCs are a welcome sign that Russian Emigres are beginning to face the facts of the situation. We can- not, however, conceal from ourselves the danger that individuals who have taken part in the struggle against the November Revolution of 1917, and who have only revised their attitude after the Soviet revolution has main- tained itself for four years >igainst all attacks, may not wholly understand the nature of the change that has taken place, and may find themselves at a later stage once more in conflict with the aspirations of the Russian masses. H. H. PHBOB: XIpoBSBexeHHe 6yMarH h3 hbaboS koctphrb. I. I. Ryabov, Mechanical Engineer: Production of Paper from Flax-Refuse, Moscow, 1921. Along with the systematic campaign of political mis- representation, Russia's industrial and scientific activities have been equallv vilified and as cruelly attacked. The American scientific and technical press has joined with the newspapers and has misrepresented Russian scientific progress. In spite of the many interesting scientific pub- lications that have recently come out of Russia, no attempt is made to acquaint the United States with the work of Russia's engineers and scientists. The editors of these journals prefer to write editorials on the "scientific vacuum" in Russia and cling to the lie that Russias scientists are forced to do street-sweeping, all evidence to the contrary notwithstanding. This pamphlet on the "Production of Paper from Flax- Refuse" deals with the conservation of Russia's -foresU and the utilizing of flax-refuse as a substantial raw material substitute for paper manufacture. The contents — about 3,500 words — ^are a preliminary report of some large-scale experimental work on the successful production of paper from flax-and hemp-refuse. The problem of conservation of natural resources is now occupying the attention of her technicians. Russia's forests are the richest in the world and wood is the chief raw material of modem paper manufacturers. Yet the far-sighted engineer, Ryabov, speaks at this time of the conservation of her forests. He demonstrates that good quality paper can be produced from flax-refuse. He points out that from certain Hax- raising districU about 225,000 tons of this flax-refuse are thrown away without recovery, and that half that quantity, according to his experimental results, represents commercial paper. In this brief report, we find interesting facts about various raw materials that have been used in the past for paper manufacture. The author shows that Russia's illiteracy is indicated by the comparatively small annual per capita paper consumption, which in 1906 was about 53 pounds, while in England it was 60.8. A feature of the pamphlet is that it was printed on the paper obtained from the experiment described and the reviewer must say that the paper is excellent. J. R. M. An American Report on the Russian Famine Findings of the Russian Commission of the Near East Relief Five Americans made a journey of 1-,863 miles through Russia to study the causes and extent of the famine. Their report, printed in a pamphlet of 48 pages by the Nation Press, contains a scientific analysis of Russian agricultural and economic conditions; the eflfecls of war, blockade and drought; the attitude of the peasants; the new policy of the Soviet Gov- ernment. An indispensable first hand document. Price 15 cents, postpaid. Order from SOVIET 110 West 40th Street, Room 304, RUSSIA New York City All proceeds from the sale of this pamphlet through Soviet Russia will be turned over to the Friends of Soviet Russia for famine relief. Make checks payable to J. W. Hartmann, Publisher. III iiii iib^ A^^ ' Civvv-c^:^ SOVIET RUSSIA Semi-Monthly Official Organ of the Friends of Soviet Russia Fifteen Gents February 1, 1922 Vol. VI. No. 2 Famine's Family Life: a Poster by Kizil Zdanotdch, which won a 500,000 ruble prize at a Tiflis Exposition, TABLE OF CONTENTS What Can We Do For Russia.^ by Fridtjof Nansen 42 A Model Clothing Factory 62 Fee American Relief Administration, 6y i4. £!rfa^ 48 Boundaries of Soviet Armenia (Map) 64. The Ethical Revolution, by Pierre Pascal., .. 50 The New Provocation, by Leon Trotsky 56 Commercial Agreement with Italy 58 How the Soviet Government Works (II. The Council oj People* s Commissars ) 60 Russia's Foreign Trade in 1921 . 65 Industrial Immighation to Soviet Russia 67 National Oftice Notes {The Friends of Soviet. Russia) 69 Books Reviewed 71 Digitized by Google What Can We Do for Russia? By Fridtjof Nansen C Extract from Provisional Record, League of Nations, International Labor Conference, Third Session, Geneva;' No. 17, November 12, 1921.) Tn introducing Dr. Nansen, the Chairman (Lord BuRNHAM, President of the Conference) , said: Ladies and Centleyen, nowhere in Europe, and, I think I may say, nowhere in the world, is it necessary to say much in introducing Dr. Nansen to any audience. His reputation is world-wide for great achievements and for humane sympathy. This evening he speaks as High Commissioner of the Geneva Conference on the Russian Famine, on which Conference he tells me thirty of the countries of the world are represented. He is leaving for Russia on Monday morning, and he will naturally make his own statement as to the ways and means whereby it may be possible for the nations to do something, at all events, to alleviate the sore suffering of the Russian people. I do not mean to anticipate either his descrip- tion — which would be beyond my power — or his suggesti6ns, which he had much better explain for himself. I only wish, therefore, to assure him that at this informal meeting of International Labor, he is assured of a warm welcome, and that, although we may not all be able to endorse, in every particular, the recommendations that he may make, we are all in accord with him in our desire to do what we can to mitigate what is known to be one of the most awful catastrophes which has ever befallen a great country. I therefore now have the honor of asking Dr. Nansen to address you. Dr. Nansen: Mr. President, Ladies and Gentle- men, I need hardly assure you what an honor and how great a privilege I consider it to be allowed to address you on this occasion, to address the Third Meeting of the Labor Conference of the League of Nations. I need not, I trust, say many words in order to express to you, and to your President, my gratitude for this privilege. It gives me an opportunity, and an opportunity for which . I could hardly have hoped, of carrying out, in one essential part, the mandate which was laid upon my shoulders by the Conference on the Rus- sian Famine in Geneva, by which I was appointed High Commissioner. The mandate I received from Entered m second cUm matter January 29, 1921, at the Pott that Conference was to organize the relief for Russia as far as means were available, but it was not only to organize; it was also to appeal to the public opinion of the whole world to cooperate in the work which the Conference had met to undertake. My mandate was to appeal to the generosity, to the statesmanship and as I think, to the interests of the Governments, and to the charity of the people. The essentials of the problem which I wish to lay before you for your consideration are more than simple. By now, they are more or less known to every one throughout the world. I need say no more than a word in explanation of the situation as I presented it to the Assembly of the League of Nations and as I think it still substantially re- mains. As I see it, and I have tried to reduce it to its plainest and most essential terms, the situa- tion is this. In Russia there are twenty million men women and children threatened with death by starvation, and not many hundred miles from the region where these people are starving there is abundance of food which could be used to feed them. It remains for us only to find the means to move this food — that is all that is necessary to be done. When we look at the map of Russia as it is at this moment, as regards the distribu- tion of the famine, we find that it is the Valley of the Volga which is especially smitten by the drought and famine. It stretches from Kazan southwards towards the Caspian Sea and towards the Black Sea — not quite so far. There we have the famine district, where live between twenty and thirty million people. It was the richest district of Russia and the best granary of Europe. Here the people are absolutely without food, or almost entirely. When we move westwards in Russia to- wards Moscow, for instance, there begin to be slightly better conditions, and when we pass Mos- cow westwards, for instance, as on the journey to Riga, we find conditions fairly normal. In the Western part of Russia the harvest has brought a great surplus this year, which is available for Eastern Russia if only we could get hold of it. taeued Twice a Month at 110 Weat iOth St.. New York. Edited and Pul lished by Jacob Wiitmer Harimann. Subacripilon Rate: $2.50 par ummm. Offica at New York, N. Y., undar th« Act of Marck 3. It79. Digitized by Google February 1, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 43 The Causes of the Famine What arc the causes of this famine? It has Yiten said that the cause is solely the Bolshevik regime. That seems a very simple answer, but is it true? If it was true, you would naturally expect the famine to be distributed over the whole of Russia; especially you would not expect to find it in the richest granary regions of that Empire. But, as I have just told you, the fact is that the famine is found in the richest parts, in the most fertile parts of Russia, while in the Western part, which was never very rich, so far as food production goes, there is a great surplus. That is sufiBcient to show that the cause given is not correct The chief cause of the famine is simply that there has been a terrible drought this year in that region where the famine now exists. This drought occurs sometimes in Russia — this is not the first time. We had a famine, though on a very small scale, some ten years ago — in 1911. We had a very great and very serious famine, of about the same magnitude as the present one, thirty years ago, in 1891, under the Tsarist regime, when many people died. So it is not quite a new experience in Russia. But besides the drought we have also to consider that the country has been exposed to the consequences of seven years of war. A great many of those years were given over to civil war, which is worse for a country than war against another country. In addition to that, the country has had the block- ade, which prevented at least agricultural machin- ery from going into it. In this way, the area of cultivation in Russia has been reduced from year to year. In addition to that, they have also had the Soviet regime, which has not been favorable to the de- Telopment of agriculture up till now. The Soviet principle used to be that of requisitioning from the peasant all the surplus he had and only pay- ing him in paper, which could not buy anything for him. It could not buy agricultural machinery, because it did not exist, and it could not buy clothing. Consequently the peasant said, "I will not cultivate more than is necessary for myself and my family; otherwise it will be taken away from me." In this way also the resistance of the country was reduced. But the Soviet Government discovered the bad results of their principle, and Aerefore gave up the system of requisitioning, and they have now introduced a system of taxing the peasant in kind, and he is allowed to keep his surplus and to sell it as he thinks fit. This has greatly improved the agricultural position in Rus- sia, but unfortunately too late. The country itself does not aim at coping with the eCFect of the drought It is therefore rapidly sinking and approaching complete ruin. This ruin will be still worse next year because of the re- duction of area sown and the disappearance of cattle. I need not explain to this Assembly what it means when the live stock of a country has to be reconstructed. All this will happen if no help is forthcoming from outside. There is in Russia at this moment another evolution going in a more hopeful direc- tion. The Government is more and more adopting a new policy of reconstruction, having abandoned in practice the Communist principle. They are now going back to private property. Trade has been given free play. For instance in the streets of Moscow this year everything available is being sold and purchased by the people. Peasant ownership of land is now an established and recog- nized principle. The payment of wages is no more made in the form of rations, but is made in money. The Government is trying to stabilize the money system, which is badly ruined. As an example I might tell you that ten thousand rubles at the present moment is hardly worth a Swiss franc, or an English shilling. They are trying now to establish banks, which of course, is not very com- munistic, and private enterprise is much encouraged in various ways; at least it is considered as very desirable. DorCt Discuss — Do Something These two evolutions are fighting each other. Western Europe, for which a healthy Russia is an absolute necessity, will have to help the evolution towards a sounder economic life and towards sounder conditions on the whole against the other terrible evolution towards misery. But time is precious. Every month lost in discussion makes that fight more terrible. The means needed for the economic reconstruction of Russia will next year be three or four times greater than the means needed now before the spring and before the spring sowing, and in the meantime millionfl of people will have died. Without losing time in discussing the political problems of Russia, Western Europe must take every opportunity of securing possibilities of con- tributing to the economic reconstruction of Russia. Six weeks ago I pointed out to the Assembly of the League of Nations that 1 had been to Russia, that 1 had seen the authorities of the Soviet Government, that 1 had made with them an agreement with which I was satisfied and with which everyone who has seriously examined it was satisfied and was sure that relief given for the famine areas would actual- ly reach the starving people. We were satisfied that the Soviet authorities would, to the best of our belief, do everything in their power to assist and to promote whatever work of relief might be begun, but that the element of time was a vital factor; unless the help that was required could be brought to Russia before the end of November it would come too late, and that the failure to bring such help would mean, in every human prob- ability, the, death ©f many millions of people." To meet the situation, I asked the Governments for help. I asked for credit to be given by the Members of the League for altogether £5,000,000. To me that is not a great price for so great a Digitized by Google 44 SOVIET RUSSIA February 1, 1922. number of human lives, especially considering that it would be divided between the Governments of the world; but I could not get what I asked for, and I shall have to tell you now what I believe to be the consequences of my failure. It is now November. What has happened on the Volga? Was I right or was I wrong? Have starving rail- lions died or are they threatened with probable death? The answer, I am afraid, is that they are dying. They are dying in hundreds every day, and soon they will be dying in thousands every day. They will die of cold and hunger, the most terrible of all deaths. So Long As Mr. Gregory Keeps Out of Russia But I am glad to tell the Conference that I believe the situation, appalling as it is, is not so bad as I predicted it would be, for more has been done to bring relief than I had thought possible unless the Governments gave the sum for which I asked. The voluntary agencies have accomplished a work far greater than I thought they could ac- complish. In particular, I should like to pay a tribute to the magnificent work accomplished by the American Relief Association under the leader- ship of Mr. Hoover. Some day the world will know perhaps the sum total of the great work which Mr. Hoover on behalf of the charitable agencies of his great and generous country has been able to accomplish. {Applause,) In all that he has done in past years he has attempted nothing so tremendous and has accomplished nothing so remarkable and so worthy of praise and admira- tion as the work on which he is now engaged. He has undertaken to feed one million children. The speed with which he has organized his machinery and administration, the amazing rapidity with which he has brought supplies to places where they were needed, leads one to hope that the work which he will accomplish will surpass even the magnificent promise he has made. I must add, in justice, that the efforts which have been made by the Soviet Government have surpassed anything that I supposed to be within their power. I have repeated so often on the plat- form of the Assembly of the League that I am inspired by no motive of politics, that I think I need make no apology in this House for giving credit where credit is due. Every agent of every organization — and there are many organizations now working in Russia — is agreed that the energy, resource and determination of the Government authorities in Russia in combating the famine, in organizing charitable relief, and in devising every measure to alleviate distress, have surpassed their hopes and expectations. Relief Organizations Working in Russia The work for which I myself am responsible has not stood still. It is not necessary for me to give again a catalogue of all the generous contributions which have been made or of all the works of relief which have been, and are being, organized under my authority. The magnificent gift made to me by His Holiness the Pope is well known.' Everybody knows of the efforts of the Save the Children Fund, which has promised to support 250,000 children. Everyone has heard of the action of the Swedish Government and the Swedish Red Cross, who a week ago despatched their first ex- pedition with a consignment of supplies sufficient to keep alive 8,000 persons for two months. They are to follow it up with a second expedition in a week or two from now. The Society of Friends, who have worked in Russia for three years and who hope from November 15th to maintain 45,000 men and women, have undertaken to increase the number to 125,000 people. The Russian Famine Relief Fund in Great Britain has collected money and is raising great sums at this moment. The socialistic Parties of Italy have colleK^ted 2^4 million lire for despatch of food supplies to the Volga, and the Italian Government have promised to supply the necessary ships for the transport. The International Federation of Trade Unions in Amsterdam have given me permission to adminis- ter two million marks' worth of medical stores for the fighting of epidemic diseases, and they have great funds available which they are to use for supporting childrens' homes. One great British newspaper has raised a fund which, in a few weeks, has reached no less a total than £14,000. Help the Russian workers by giving them fo^d and clothing. Digitiz ed b] Google February 1, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 4S The International Cooperative Alliance has just written to me to tell me, that they have ordered to be collected large sums which will be available for Russia and Georgia, and some of the Govern- ments have acted — though not as I should like them to act, but still they have acted — and given good help. The British Government has given war stocks to the value of a quarter of a million sterling and the dispatch of those war stocks is to begin in a few days to the areas where they are needed. The French Government have voted five million francs, the Norwegian Government have already given something like one and half million kroner in gifts and in credits to the famine. The Swiss Government have voted 100,000 francs as a first contribution to the work of sanitary defense against disease, and the Epidemic Conmiission of the League of Nations, whose collaboration was pro- mised by the Resolution of the Assembly, has begun contact with the Health Authorities of the Russian Government, and I hope they will agree to dispatch a Representative to help me in my Moscow Office. They are using such resources as they have at their disposal for ending the terrible epidemic of diseases which threaten Europe. This is sub- stantial; it is great work, and, let me say in pass- ing, it is work which still, if only in its beginning, has already proved the principle of many of the assertions I made at the Assembly. Though Starving^ They Must Plow My agents in the famine area support every word that I then said as to the appalling gravity of the situation. The unanimous reports are that the agreement I made is one which works and one which gives every reasonable guarantee that could be asked for, and with similar unanimity, every agent of every organization, whether private or governmental, reports that the Soviet authorities have shown every disposition to render to the work of relief every conceivable sort of assistance and cooperation. No request they make, calculated to promote the rapidity of the relief work, is refused by the authorities, either in Moscow or in the areas where they work. But this work, great though it is, and successful though it may be, within its limits, is not enough. It must be increased, and increased as much as possible, if the great tragedy which I predicted is not to come to pass. For anyone fighting the famine is not faced with one problem alone, but with two. He is faced with the problem of famine this winter also. It is not enough to keep the people alive through the months that must pass before they reap any crop. It is also necessary to ensure that there shall be another crop for them to reap! It is necessary to ensure that while they are sufiFer- ing from lack of bread they should also sow their fields, because if they do not sow, neither will they reap, and the famine which is on them this year will be as nothing as compared with the famine which will smite them in the year to come. To make men sow their fields, while their wives and children starve around them, is almost a miracle, yet it is a miracle which the Russian people have, in the months just passed, accom- plished. While they have grain for a few weeks only, they plough their fields and sow them. I am assured by every competent witness, Russian, English, and American, that they have sown more than they sowed last year. They have sown half their autumn sowing in normal years before the war, and they did not sow more, because they had no more grain to sow. It was a great achieve- ment, due to the indomitable will of the Russian peasants, and to the lead, it must be frankly ad- mitted, of their government authorities. But the autumn sowing is one thing and the spring sowing is quite another. In the autumn, the animals were still alive to do the ploughing, but by the spring, the animals will be dead, and the peasants know it They have no food to give them, and no hope of keeping them alive. Knowing it, they have ploughed already, before the winter has begun, part of the area whfch they want to sow when the fields are open once again. But they have only worked a small part, and if they are to sow an area large enough to prevent a recurrence of fa^Jno next year, yet more terrible than that from which they are now suffering, something must be done to organize their spring work. I may point out that the production of Russia, according to in- These counterfeits are not intended to deceive you. They are meant to suggest that you should send a donuiion in money, to help the starving, to the Friends of Soviet Russia, 201 West 13th St^ New York, Digitized by Google 46 SOVIET RUSSIA February 1, 1922. formation I have received, consists of one-third, due to autumn sowing, and two-thirds due to spring sowing. You will understand that if no spring sowing can be carried out, the situation will be appalling. For a spring sowing, two things are needed, grain for seed, and means by which the fields can be made ready to receive it. Grain can be had for money, and money must be found. But how can fields be ploughed, if all the animals are dead? They are dying, and I think it is hardly too much to say that the greater part of them are already dead. Send Farm Machinery to Russia I have a plan which I believe would work, which, if it succeeded, might not only save the present situation, but which might do much to rebuild the economic prosperity of Russia and to increase the output of the greatest of the potential granaries of the world. It is a simple plan, but a bold and costly one. It is this: To organize, during the next few months, the dispatch to the famine areas, on a great scale, of tractor ploughs, and to send with the tractor ploughs, experts who could teach the Russian population how to use them. The difficulties of such an undertaking will spring to the mind of every member of this Con- ference. But I believe they could be overcome, or they might be. Of mechanics without employ- ment, there is no lack in Russia. If we had the tractors, we could send the mechanics to drive them to the districts where they were needed. Petrol is also available. There are great quantities avaiU able at present at Novorossisk. With a small num- ber of foreign experts to instruct the mechanics and to supervise their work, I believe a great part of the famine area could be ploughed. But how could the tractors be obtained? Besides tract- ors, all kinds of other agricultural machinery is also most desirable. Even spades, ploughs, sowing- machines, etc. I venture to submit, paradoMcal though it may seem, tp those in this hall who represent the industrial leaders of the world, that the sending of these tractors might be an exceed- ingly wise and perhaps an exceedingly remunera- tive conmiercial undertaking. For these tractors could be sold or hired to the Peasant Cooperative Societies of the areas which use them. The cost of their purchase or hire and transport could be paid for from the crops which these Societies will Jreap in the next few years. The Cooperative Societies, if they accepted such a proposition, which I have no doubt they would, would have the support of the Soviet Authorities. It would open a market and it would mean a stride in the art of agriculture, as practiced in Russia, the magnitude and im- portance of which this Conference can estimate far better than I can — far better than any other Body in the world. I submit that it might be a sound investment, but if the Industrial Companies who make traotors and agricultural machinery and tools in the various countries of Europe find that the risk is too great for them to take, I urge that their Governments should support them by guaranteeing the credits which they will have to give. I know that some of the Governments, and some of the most powerful Governments Jiave statutory powers from their Parliaments which would enable them to carry through such a plan, and I believe it is a plan which, in the long run, would profit everyone. It would help to relieve the terrible crisis of unemployment in the countries where un- employment is the first problem of the day, by the only rational method, which is, by ensuing produc- tion for the urgent needs of other and still more unfortunate people who need the goods which will be produced. I do not say that this plan will work. I say I believe it will, and I am leaving this sitting for Moscow on the day after tomorrow to find out whether, so far as Russia is conrcrned, it could be brought about. When I have satisfied myself, there, I will come back to Europe to renew the appeal which I have made to the Governments and to the people which they represent, to grant the money which alone can avert the catastrophe which threatens Russia. All Men Must Aid I must not detain this conference much longer. In conclusion, perhaps I may say that I am aware that the economic reconstruction of Russia is a great problem, which can only be solved by the building up of the normal interchange of trade and commerce, and that that will be a long, a slow and a painful process. But it is a process »f incalculable importance to the whole of Europe. I venture to say that the economic interests of every country forbid the States to allow this catas- trophe to come about. It is chiefly the economic aspect of the Russian problem that I have dealt with here, as I thought that might be of special interest to this Conference. But there is, of course, the other and far more important side of the problem, the purely humanitarian one. Millions of human beings like ourselves are suffering and dying from hunger and cold, the most terrible death. Is it possible for us not to help all that we are able to? When we know that for every pound sterling, every twenty francs we spend with- out need, we could save a child*s life, is it possible for us to do nothing? Every voluntary organiza- tion, every peoples' party, every work of charity, and every individual man and woman must be appealed to to contribute something, however small. Whatever is given now wiH help some miserable man or woman or child to be dragged through the interminable days and nights of the terrible winter months that lie before them. But even if this work were increased, even if it succeeded be- yond anything which we could reasonably hope for, it would not suffice. This is a task which cannot be accomplished by relief from charitable sources alone. It is too great. The Governments musi come in, and I am sure they will come in the end. Digitized by Google February 1, 1922. SOVIET RUSSI A 47 Donations of clothing are always welcome at the Warehouse of the Friends of Soviet Russia, 429 East 8th St^ New York. What is the situation? Is there any lack of food in the world? No! there is abundance of food at this moment Food Everywhere^ Except in Russia In Eastern Russia, as I have told you, millions of people are starving at this moment and suffering incredible misery. Some hundred miles from there, in a State bordering on Russia, there is a great sur- plus of food, enough to keep these millions alive. I may tell you that in Rumania alone there are, according to the latest statistics, cereals ready for export filling something like 140,000 wagons. That means 1,400,000 tons of wheat, rye, barley, and oats in Rumania alone, to feed the starving people. And across the ocean, in America, there is such an abundance of food that the farmer has not yet been able to dispose of his trops from last year. In Argentine there is such an abundance of maize, or has been, at least, that they burn it as fuel in their locomotive engines. In the United States their wheat is rotting in the storehouses because they cannot sell it; and in Canada the production of wheat ready for export at this moment is some- thing like 5,000,000 tons — about three times what we need to save the situation in Russia and to feed those starving people. Meanwhile, tne ships and trains needed to bring the food to those who are dying for lack of it lie idle in the ports and stand idle on the sidings! Only money, and a negligible sum of money from the point of view of State finance, is required to enable the food to be brought to those who need it A Curious World to Live in Is not the world absurd? Fancy somebody sitting on another planet and looking down on this planet of ours and seeing what is going on, seeing the people starving along the Volga Valley, seeing them in hundreds and thousands trying to find their way along the frozen roads of Russia to find food, and dying along the road, badly clothed, and some of them barefooted, and seeing in the other part of the world near by that there is so much food that they do not know what to do with it! What would such a man think of us on this Earth? Would he think that the earth is, after all, as somebody said, the lunatic asylum of the universe, or would he think it was hell? Was a man ever faced by a task more urgent, more terrible than mine? I ask for the help of every member of this great Conference. I ask every man and woman — I care not whether they represent Governments or employers or workers — to free their mind of every political consideration; I ask them in the name of human charity to think of the women and children on the frozen Volga! I ask them, when they go from here to their homes^ to appeal to their trade unions, to appeal to their Cooperative Societies, to appeal to their Parlia- ments, to appeal to the great masses of their people, to take a part in the work of helping Russia. It is a work that must be done. It is more; it is a work that can be done if you only want to do it. The peoples of the world are learning hard things; they are learning through the League of Nations to curb the dogs of war; they are learning through your great liberal organization to cooperate in fighting social injustice and wrongs. Let them now show that they can act together, before it is too late, to prevent the most terrible of the tragedies that have followed in the train of war. (Loud applause,) Digitized by Google 48 SOVIET RUSSIA February 1, 1922. The American Relief Administration By A. EiDUK ifhis article, from **Izvesty€^ of November 30, is by the Russian Representative on the Staff of the A. R. A. in Russia, We print it because the last paragraph, which lias been distorted abroad to indicate Russian interference with the A. R, A,, is in reality an explanation of the A. R. A. work to the Russian people.) A Iready for three months the American Relief Administration (A. R. A.) has been working in our country and yet its political function and practical significance are not yet understood in all quarters. This is particularly true of the provinces, in other words, particularly those places in which all the activity of the A. R. A. should be especially directed and developed. Indefinite understandings of this work have too frequently and too seriously injured the cause, and it is for this reason that I am going into print with a few explanations as to the facts in the case. At the present time we may state, with the figures at our disposal, that the A. R. A. fully justifies our ex- pectations — but we should not cherish any exag- gerated hopes in this direction. We must reckon with the facts and not forget that the A. R. A. is not a final solution of the question of the feed- ing of children in the famine districts, it is only, so to speak, a method of approach to such a solu- tion, a provisional and furthermore a rather hastily constructed makeshift. It is from this standpoint that we must set out in judging its work, and we shall then see that as an organ of famine assist- ance the A. R. A. is unquestionably justifying our Riga agreement. Proceeding from the general and irrefutable proposition that we must utilize reso- lutely every possibility of supplementing our pro- vision resources by an influx from abroad, we must consider the A. R. A. as the greatest possibility of this nature. Let us consider the facts. All the aid from abroad (a mere drop in the bucket!) has given us from the beginning of the famine campaign until November 13 a number of shipments aggre- gating 1,129 carloads (1,024,902 poods and 2 lbs.), of which the A. R. A. contributed 902 carloads (829,286 poods and 5 lbs.), and we must remember that after November 13 the work of this organiza- tion continued expanding with increasing speed. In addition, we must also observe that by virtue of supplementary agreements this development is not only proceeding intensively but also extens- ively. The figures cited refer, as we have indicated, only to provision shipments, and at present we are already receiving assistance from the A. R. A. in a number of other fields. Thus we are now receiving from this organization 320,500 pairs of shoes and 540,400 pairs of stockings for children and 33,775 garments of various kinds. This is only a beginning of the new field of work of the A. R. A. and we have every reason to await a continuance of this work. Our mutual relations with the A. R. A. are also expanding because of our poverty in medicaments. The famine is a source of all sorts of epidemics and infections of various kinds. Mortality and disease among chil- dren in the cropless districts are actually frightful. For example: in the ditrict of Kazan (Tatar Repub- lic) the mortality amounts to 44.4 per cent of the number of children who fall sick, and not less than 20 per cent of the entire child population fall sick. And until such time as we have in the pro- vinces a sufficient quantity of the most necessary medicinal supplies, we shall be hopelessly ineffi- cient in the struggle with this high death rate. The A. R. A. has already placed at our disposal as many as thirty carloads of medicaments. In the opinion of competent comrades of the Commis- sariat of Health, this already amounts to a very essential assistance. In October the A. R. A. had 1481 food stations in actual operation, which served 216,081 children. In November there is a striking change. The A. R. A. in that month was already guaranteeing the feeding of 965,000 children. I repeat, this is not a solution of the situation, since we have more than 6 million starving children. But in any case it amounts to a real assistance. Often we have occasion to hear statements made that the Americans are giving the children only a "sup- plementary" ration. This is true from a purely formal standpoint and not true in reality. As a matter of fact, this "supplementary" ration, as to its caloric value, constitutes only one-third of the normal feeding required by children, but what is there to be done after the publication of the figures of the People's Commissariat of Health! This "supplementary" ration often is the only "basic ration" the children get Why waste words Digitized by Google February 1, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 49 on this subject when, for example, my representa- tive discovers in the Marxstadt morgue (in the German Commune on the Volga) eleven corpses of children who died of hunger in a single night, and by their side lay the nurses of the children's hospital, who had also died of hunger! In the Tatar Republic there are 990,276 children abso- lutely unsupplied with food. In the Province of Samara there are more than a million children who have no "supplementary" ration to receive from anyone (supplementary to their own ration). I am giving figures from two reports only, but the remaining figures would be just as deplorable. To be over particular about the "caloric value'* of the American assistance, in the presence of these figures, seems somewhat unnecessary. The extension of the activity of the A. R. A. has recently had a pronounced effect even on the adult population, since as many as 30,000 hospital patients are being provided rations by the A. R. A., not to mention the medical assistance furnished. We should not pass over in silence the new operations of the A. R. A., to which we have consented in our endeavors to find ways and means of supplementing our food resources from the out- side — I speak now of the opening of American depots for food packages. It is premature as yet to speak of the further course of these operations, but there are indications that they will justify all the hopes that the famine has forced us to place in them. Hopeful Attitude Toward A. R. A. The above is merely a hasty review of the facts justifying our optimistic standpoint toward the work of the A. R. A. The provisions are here; they have delivered the goods. The A. R. A., as we see, is useful to us, and consequently is neces- sary for us, and to everything that is really useful, experience has taught us to devote the utmost atten- tion, for it is often but a single step from the "useful" to the "necessary". But do we really everywhere give to the work of the A. R. A. the amount of attention that would be commensurate with its results? With regard to the central regions the answer would no doubt be in the affirmative, but as for the provinces, to judge from the reports of my representatives, the answer would be dififerent. In the latter places many have not yet succeeded, through "lack of time", to make clear to themselves what the A. R. A. is, and in a number of cases (this is an actual fact) have not even heard of it. I am not speak- ing now of the dark peasant masses of our scat- tered pathless villages. In the Volga district, for example, the peasants have only heard of Ara as of "some foreigners going around with goods on the Volga". This is, unfortunately, to be under- stood, but it is amazing to observe that even some of the workers "in the famine" have heard very little more of the A. R. A. Through neglect of their obligations they have come to neglect paying sufficient attention to the activity of the A. R. A, Owing to this condition, many of the comrades have as yet by no means "found their bearings", and accordingly have not been able to adapt them- selves to the tempo of the A. R. A. work. They must overcome their red tape, their paper attitude toward business, their eternal committees, their endless sessions. Here in the famine regions, of course more than in any other place, the old Latin proverb should be repeated: "He who gives quick aid gives double aid". As a result of this inertia of our apparatus in connection with the A. R. A., which is based on many causes, we in some instances go to lengths that are completely absurd. The A. R. A. food is at hand, and all around people are dying of starvation, because we "do not manage" to deliver it in time and to the proper place. Now there are no workers, now there are no quarters, now no "plan of supply" has been drawn up, elsewhere "lists of children" are not prepared. Always something is "not'* at hand at the moment when the most important ele- ment — the food — ^is available. This is ridiculous and in the future must not be tolerated. The A. R. A. is a purely business organization and we must respond to it with the same energetic efficiency. In the presence of a conflagration one does not quarrel as to the causes of the blaze, but puts it out. In these days of constantly growing wretch- edness one thing b important: the A. R. A. is bringing us, as I have indicated above, real aid, and therefore it is our duty to respond to its real cooperation, and not only in thoughtful and dreamy poses. At the present moment the Russian Section of the A. R. A. has succeeded in organizing for the service of the provinces the necessary body of sufficiently energetic and experienced collaborators. Thanks to their businesslike aggressiveness, the work of the A. R. A. suddenly made a great for- ward stride. A sufficient evidence of this is the opening of great numbers of new food stations that have been reported in the last few days. But even now, at the end of November, we must observe with regret that the November plan has by no means as yet been carried out, in other words, the food that has been delivered to the provinces has not yet reached the empty stomachs of the popula- tion. And even the extremely energetic staff of workers in the Russian Section, it seems, will re- main powerless if it is not supported by all the energies of the local workers. It is of course an unnatural situation that the A. R. A. should be obliged to expend its resources and its strength in feeding children at Moscow and Petrograd at a time when the actually starving people — in some cases the actually dying in the Volga region — so badly need these things. This uimatural condition offends the eyes of many comrades who are not initiated in the "secrets" of the A. R. A., but it would be senseless to permit the American foodstuffs to go to waste because we "do not manage" to get diem eaten along the Volga. Digitized by Google 50 SOVIET RUSSIA February 1, 1922. The Ethical Revolution By Pierre Pascal {Concluded from last issue) Woman "P QUALITY between men would be a sense- -"^ less deception if one entire half of mankind should be excluded. Is there anything more out- rageous than the position of woman in capitalist society? The law subordinates them to their husbands in all the walks of life; bourgeois moral- ity condemns them mercilessly in the same cases in which it exonerates the men ; the law denies them civic rights and forbids them all political activity; custom banishes them from intellectual life. While there may be a few exceptions as to the last point, they are to be found only in a very limited circle of the money aristocracy or that of intellect. In the proletariat, including the petty bourgeoisie, there is to be added to all these injustices the burden of running a house, a crushing, stupefying, unproductive, daily repeating grind. This is the lot of woman in the countries that dare call them- selves civilized. And such was also the lot at one time of the Russian woman, with a few shades of difference, expressing itself in numerous proverbs, of which the following is an example: "Neither is a hen a bird, nor a woman a human being.*' Nekrassov, the poet of tortured, laboring Russia, ceaselessly laments the painful lot of the peasant woman, a dog's life, work that is far too hard, beatings, insults, constant humiliations. This mon- strous injustice had to be eradicated by Commun- ism; here there was a real work of liberation to be perfornied; the feeling of human dignity had to be awakened in woman. This task has not yet been completely solved. A newspaper recently condemned one of the surviving customs that still serve as interesting and painful reminders of the path that has been covered by the revolution: there are still Communists who adhere to the good old custom of beating their wives. But today a wife ii officially the equal of her; husband ; the mere declaration is of immense value, for capitalism never made any such utterance. ' Furthermore, the working woman, whose lower physical capacity is guarded by numerous laws, receives the same pay for the same work as does the working man. She votes, she may be elected to the factory (^ouncils, she has a voice at every congress, she is a member of trade unions, belongs to the Commissariat of Education and the other Commissariats, is chosen as a delegate. The free meals given to the workers in the municipal dining rooms relieve her of many household cares; the day nurseries, kindergartens and schools free her from the worst burdens of motherhood. The working woman remains a woman and a mother, but she is now a full-fledged member of human society. She may become a Communist, attend conferences; she organizes recreation periods, learns to read and to write, teaches these accomplishments to others, and develops her fac- ulties in all fields, simultaneously, equally, and with the same right as does her comrade, the man. This is no longer a dream, but a sure, though slow, process, the comparative speed of which must continue to astonish us, when we consider the obstacles that had to be surmounted. Much has already been done. In the several Workers' Con- gresses that have already been held at Moscow it is sufficient to look at the women delegates elected by the masses, to be able to say that woman now already possesses a soul, a collective soul, a soul that concerns itself with political and social prob- lems, which introduces into public life the serious- ness and skill she has shown as a good housewife. Lenin once said that the time would come when every woman cook will have to learn to participate in the administration of the State. He said that Communism was inconceivable without woman, without the working and peasant woman. Inspired by an exceptionally brilliant and self-saerificiMj; Digitized by Google February 1, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 51 woman like KoIIontay and others in the dominat- ing group of the Communist Party, who founded •*Women's Sections'* in all their committees, you will see working and peasant women assembled at the congresses, discussing the report of the Soviets, electing their delegates, who are to supervise the housing question, the common dining rooms, day nurseries, kindergartens, courses for illiterates, pro- pagate among their fellow women the new idea of conscious cooperation in the social life. There is no province, no district, in which you will not find congresses of working and peasant women; the former guide the latter, open their eyes for them. Even the individual districts have their women's congresses. Even more progress than this has been made: in Moscow and particularly in Petrograd the most backward and conservative element has been approached — the housewife. Cut off from the rural economy, and strangers to the life of the proletariat, living in ignorance among the petty bourgeois, it is just these women who circu- late those wild and foolish fairy tales by which th^ spiritless and helpless class, attempts to avenge its destruction, those fairy tales that the allied bourgeoisie a week later will print in its hireling press. And precisely these housewives are now called upon to send delegates — mostly "unknown birds" — to the Soviets of Petrograd and Moscow. This fact is of immense importance when we recall that the "democratic" French Republic, fear- ing the influence of the clergy, has always refused to grant the right of suffrage to woman. Bukharin correctly said on the subject of a General Congress of Women: "A new human has been born that could never under any circumstan- ces have seen the light. It has not been sufficiently noticed that, owing to the activities of the Revolu- tion in the Communist Party, courageous and cap- able fighters and creators, true heroes, are rising out of the mass of the people, active women, simple working women, simple peasant women, that were formerly considered mere beasts, now they are beginning to feel themselves humans, to participate in the social struggle, gradually to take part in the government of the State, to sit in the Soviets and the Executive Committees." Woman has gained, owing to the Revolution, even in the formerly privileged classes. Freed from their husbands, no longer the spiritless and conscienceless playthings of love for their hus- bands, they have now really become a part of the 0ocial life. The female Soviet clerks have more easily, although son^etimes against their will, taken this path of salvation than the working woman, who has been frequently stupefied by ignorance and indifference, and is unsophistcated in all poli- tical matters. These women now profit, without being conscious of the fact, from the acts of the Proletarian Revolution. A number of the female employees have already learned the value of devot- ing themselves to some fruitful task, and some of them have become valued collaborators in the great work of social creation. Approaching the Abolition of Classes The Proletarian regime, rational and progres- sive as it is, has an invigorating influence even on the classes hostile to it and is drawing them into the ever broadening circle of social harmony. This phenomenon, this consequence of the Proletarian dictatorship, which seems a paradox at first glance, repeats itself in all fields. And this is the reason why those elements that have stubbornly resisted participating in the social harmony, as well as the obstacles to proletarian equality still existing in the new society, seem now like anachronisms. The Communist idea has already sunk into all hearts. From the purely theoretic standpoint it is true that classes have not yet been completely abolished. Lenin points out that the small landed peasants , will for a long time continue existing side by side with the proletariat before classes pass away; furthermore, there still remain traces of the bour- geoisie and, unfortunately, of the bourgeois spirit But it is a fact that while the last remaining mem- bers of the bourgeoisie may, if they so desire, constitute a world by themselves, they cannot fail to recognize the fact that it is they who are now shutting themselves off from the great highway, the road that leads to life and to civilization. The fact is that the workers of all categories have now been united in a single great harmonious family, in which the senseless distinctions of a former day are rapidly disappearing. Physical and mental work are equally in demand, equally rewarded, protected and respected. There are no longer in this country any "disinherited of the earth", any pariah class. The word tovarishch (Comrade) is the expres- sion of this mighty fraternal movement, and it lacks the legal coldness, the individualistic egoism of the designation "citizen". This word indicates not only the members of one political party (it has lost this limitation), but now means every member of the immense family of the workers. It recalls the bygone gloomy times of suffering, of struggle, of common hopes, of prison, strikes, of solidarity of the disinherited. Today this word signifies a kindly mutual aid, the manly energy of the masters of the future. It is a rebuke, an encouragement, a reasoning force, a collective heart Woe to them that deride this epithet! Human Dignity This equality, which is not only legal but also economic and therefore real, has developed al- together new feelings in Russia, feelings of great social value, particularly that of human dignity, which has a determining influence on every act that is undertaken. What person that traveled in Russia before the revolution fails to recall how he swore at the countless gratuities that had to be paid on every manner of occasion? The tips, this humiliating custom, transforming every social function into a private service, and inseparable from capitalist society, were one of the sores of the Russian regime. Digitized by Google 52 SOVIET RUSSIA February 1, 1922. Today they have been completely done away with: all callings, including that of domestic servants, have their labor Uriffs fixed by the Commissariat of Labor and their trade unions, thus affording no play for personal whim. It will also be recalled how much begging there was in Russia. Today begging has become very unusual, for the distribution of labor and public maintenance are organized on a rational basis. If any cases of begging should arise, they must be ascribed to the endless war to which we have been condemned by our enemies, who are also the ene- mies of the whole human race, and which is using up our resources. Prostitution and Bribery Prostitution, this sore of capitalism, no longer disports itself in the streets, now that it is possible for women to earn their sustenance by honest work. One interesting point is the fact that no law, no ordinance, was passed to abolish either the tips, or begging, or prostitution; the former have already disappeared, and the latter is gradually disappearing, together with the capitalistic causes that led to its existence, while the proletarians are simultaneously rising to higher levels of human dignity. There was once a quarter in Moscow that was rarely shown to the stranger without a sense of shame: the place of assignation, the sad living testimony to die sum total of capitalistic depravity. On one side were the Morozov and Ryabushinsky mansions, palaces, gems of art and architecture, homes of distinction and delight, on the other side was the cloaca, the Khitry Rynok; neither could exist without the other. The Khitry Rynok was a square not far from the foundling asylum, wallow- ing in mud, surrounded bv buildings exuding a vile alcoholic atmosphere, the gathering ground of vice and misery, where all the shipwrecked exist- ences of bourgeois society were accustomed to strand. Here you could see the unfortunates whom society had first crushed and then spewed out: half -naked men and women in shameless embrace, depraved children, ragged creatures, de-classed persons, the diseased, the abandoned, mad gamesters, alcoholisU that had drunk up the price of their last shirt, professional idlers, and chronic invalids dying slowly of hunger, as well as crooks, thieves, rowdies. This was the picturesque and symbolic focus of infection that threatened to invade all Moscow with its filth, its fleas, the stench of its alcohol, its degradation. A man who might drift into this place when despair had made him lose mastery of himself, was lost for life. It vfas not an ordinance, not a decree that destroyed the Khitrovka; it died of its own accord on the day when the Morozov and the Ryabushinsky mansions were nationalized. I passed by the other day; vegetables and old clothes were being sold on this public place. The dirty dens of the environs had long ago been disinfected by Semashko s dis- infection units, and the unfortunates whose refuge they had been have now been admitted to the society of labor. Another well-known sore on the Russian body politic was that of bribery. On this subject we could get much information from the honorable French industrial magnates, who once exploited Russia so magnificently. They never could say enough, in their virtuous indignation, concerning corruption in this country. But whenever a law was to be evaded that seemed to set a limit to their avarice and their wild egoism, by affording the workers an appearance of protection, how skil- fully these fellows, Giraud, or Siou, or the rest, knew how to make use of the weapon of bribery! They were certain of impunity, and the evil was ineradicable, since it was as old as the first outrages of Ivan the Terrible. The whole administrative system was built up on this notion, as it were; from the police employee to the Grand Duke, all functionaries would practice bribery with a clear conscience and in absolute security. Only a miracle could eradicate this fundamental evil; therefore there still remain army contractors who work little games with speculators, physicians who sell their signatures, heads of public stores who squander the national property. But inexorable war has been declared on all these people; high penalties are fixed for all those agents of authority who are guilty of accepting bribes; their crime is considered to be the most grave, the most unpardonable of all, as it attacks the foundations of the nation. Corruptibility, once the rule, has now become an exceptional offense. It is furthermore to be remembered that this orime is hardly ever committed by a proletarian, but almost always by a bourgeois, by former policemen, officers, financiers, or merchants, some of whom may even have placed themselves honestly at the disposal of the Soviet Government, but have not yet had time to dispose of the deep-seated vices of their class. If you look closely at such a com- missar, or such a dishonest and arbitrary head of a department, you will usually find in him some favorite of the old regime, hardly ever a prole- tarian. Once these last bourgeois miasmas have been wiped out, corruption and bribery will also be ended. The Intellectual Level of Society We have above reviewed certain important ele- ments of the ethical advance made owing to eco- nomic equality and its direct consequences. An > immense revolution has been accomplished in this ^ field also. Let us now draw a comparison in another field between the bourgeois West and the so-called barbarism of the Soviets. Let us now consider the intellectual and ethical level of society in general. The immense task of the Commissariat for Edu- cation, which is founding thousands of schools ef all kinds that have programs that really prepare the pupils for living a large life, is probably Digitized by Google February 1, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 53 sufficiently known. The same is also true of the mighty enterprise that aims to teach some 70,000,000 illiterates to read, to write, to reckon, and to think. Information has already circulated as to the unheard of credits that are granted for public education and as to the favorable, almost privileged, position of the teaching staflF. But all this is nothing; we must consider the actual daily life. I hope university men will pardon me, but it is true that the mind of a modern people is moulded more by the press, by social conditions, by the entertainments, with which the people fill their hours of leisure, than by the schools. j In the capitalist states, the proletariat of the city has barely enough time to read the fiction section, I the police news and the social scandals of their Petit Journal, or Matin, and then to seek some consolation for their misery in the movies or in the saloon. The petty bourgeois, the public en> ployees, the clerks, are subject to the same lot. Even if a peasant has learned to read, he probably forgets all about it, twenty years later, for lack of any practice. WhcU They Read in Russia I But it is impossible for anyone to fail to be I impressed by the variety of the mental food that is daily oflfered to the public in Soviet Russia. The crisis in the paper industry demands eco- nomy; the papers are limited to a single sheet; and yet, where could you find more material than in an issue of a Pravda or of Izvestia? Instead of sensational and hollow interviews, you will find a practical course in political economy; instead of murder and other crimes, you encounter the spectacle of the slow upbuilding of an unparalleled thing: the Proletarian State. Instead of sweet meaningless fiction columns, you will have a speech by Lenin or Trotsky, a reso- lution passed by a congress, or the text of a diplo- matic note; instead of the "social news" column, you will have reports on the mighty historical duel between imperialism and the proletariat; instead of business announcements, data on the productive- ness of the Soviet industry; instead of an exposure of love letters, you will find announcements of trade union, artistic, or political meetings. Radek, Bukharin, Lunacharsky, Semashko, Lom- ov, Zinoviev, Trotsky, sometimes even Lenin, — these are the journalists of the Soviet press. They present their expositions to the public view, and ask for cooperation and counsel in exchange. They thus awaken in the masses an interest in the col- lective life of the great Commune. And the press plays this part not only in the capitals; the 400 newspapers of the provincial cities, even those of the smallest places, maintain themselves with more or less success on the same intellectual level. The neivpapers are read a great deal. They reach the village Soviets, the military front, the rear, they are posted on the walls in cities and villages, read to the illiterate, and discussed in the clubs and the educa- tional classes of the grown-ups. On us, who are accustomed to this place, the French newspapers even the socialist newspapers, produce an impression of death and decay; reading them drives us to despair. We are surprised that any people can put up with such wretched, empty, decaying food. These newspapers strike many as the finest illustration of the dissolution of a whole system of society. Let us turn to the books: here also literature consists almost exclusively of doctrine and teach- ing. The revolutionary novel — chiefly biographic- al in its nature, illuminates the psychology of the factories and of the provinces. (Sivalchev, The Yellow Devil; Boris Ivanov, Recollection of a Socialist Worker) . Proletarian poetry sings of the new soul of common labor (Kitilov and Alexan- drovsky). There are original and scientific studies of national economy (Bukharin: The Political Economy of the Rentier, or the Criticism of the Austrian Theory, The Economic Laws of the Period of Transition; Lenin: The State and Revolution, etc.) Also, practical guides to the organization of industry, collections of decrees, notes on the de- crees, popular pamphlets in all the fields of science, agriculture, medicine, strategy, politics, etc.; and, besides, new editions of classical authors: Marx, Tolstoy, Gogol, Pushkin, Gorky, Turgeniev, Glyu- chevsky, as well as translations of the best foreign authors: Barbusse, Anatole France and others. In Moscow the young chauflFeurs read pamphlets while they are waiting for a fare. The newsdealers devour the papers and periodicals, and orderlies are reading Tolstoy. I saw workers that were carrying home under their arms the four fat volumes of Klyuchevsky that the People's Com- missariat for Education had issued in a new edition for twelve rubles. Formerly "good society" swore by Kuprm, the pornographer, while the common people contented themselves with foolish picture books. All this demoralizing truck has disappeared from top to bottom. The true intellectual is bene- fited by the new regime as much as are the people. All society has gained in ethical seriousness. I pass the theatre every day that was at one time a place for foolish farces; now that it has passed into the hands of the Soviet of the quarter, you will find played there: Chekhov, Ostrovsky, Gorky, or the Barbiere di Siviglia, Otello, Tartuffe, the /m- aginary Sick Man. The auditorium is full of Soldiers and young people. The actors are good, their repertoire instructive. Now as to the matter of meetings. Anything may serve as a reason for a meeting. They are an uninterrupted training for citizens, they illurain- ate the internal and external policy, the needs of the Republic, the great role of the proletariat, the responsibility of each individual in the common work. Even the posters in the streets stimulate curiosity^ intelligence, energy, and social consciousness. Th^ poster, formerly a tool of avaricious competitors^ has now become an efficient means for the educa^ tion of the masses. Digitized by Google 54 SOVIET RUSSIA February 1, 1922L The New Communist Man It is a great pleasure to watch how Communism remolds men that have been kept by capitalism as debased machines, subservient to its will. When you look at life in this country, you think with sadness of the ethical and intellectual poverty of the bourgeois west Which is barbarism and which is civilization? Can noc everyone see on the one hand a process of dying and on the other a process of life? How is it possible that not all honest people have already ventured the leap out of the realm of death into the realm of life and renovation? Or is it that death holds them, as it holds their whole class and their order of society in its inexorable clutches? Paul Louis in his straight-forward and terrify- ing analysis of the ^'Ethical Decline'' in capitalist countries, the depravity of the ruling classes, whom the tremendous war profits have denuded of all shame and all restraint, "extravagance, contempt for the needs of others, unbridled selfishness, un- limited appetites, ignorance of the common weal, a mad lust for amusements of the coarsest and most vulgar type," and even worse still, the in- fection travels from one to the other, takes hold of all elements of society, from the "nouveau riches" to the masses, whom it infects in turn. All social classes are gradually involved by the double lust for profit and for low enjoyments. There is nothing more disheartening than this picture, which is confirmed not only by those who travel in capital- ist countries, but even by statements reluctantly made by the great bourgeois press. One might almost believe that the capitalist world had come upon its second childhood: there are beauty con- tests; a movie actress is the object of the adoration of 600,000 Parisians and 200,000 Londoners; the barbarous fox-trot becomes the successor of the tango, when the latter appears too refined; the famous English physicist, Oliver Lodge, and the learned German metaphysician, Oswald Spengler, surrender themselves to the crudest mysticism, con- jure up the dead and indulge in table-rapping; are not all these to be taken as signs of a general softening of the brain? Paul Louis compares these phenomena with the aftermath of other great crises, with Byzantium, with the Regency. After having passed through suffering and come close to death people want to have a good time. All this is true, but why are there no sigr.s of these things in Russia? After a war that was felt here worse than elsewhere, after all the shocks of the firt liberating revolution, why has not the Russian people descended to the folly of license, to the intoxication of a refound life? If the bourgeoisie had remained in power, these things would have happened here too; the eco- nomic crisis would not have prevented them. The proprietors of the amusement resorts in Petrograd and Moscow would have had a new lease of life, and the bourgeoisie, now made tsar indeed, would have expJoited the working people more than others, and the latter would have paid the piper. There would now be festivities in Moscow as we hear of them in Vienna; many thousands of child- ren would be neglected, and would die of hunger and cold. We should be amusing ourselves as they are doing in Paris, without understanding the threatening significance of the "unemployment wave" which is ruining the country. A whole nation would have gone to the dogs. Why is it that we behold the precise opposite: . a seriousness of life, a good will, a voluntary dis- cipline, a "wave of labor", a persistence in eflfort, 1 which, in spite of all the inevitable fumblings, are nevertheless drawing the Republic out of the 1 slough? \ The contrast between Soviet Russia and the bourgeois world is a profound and instructive one. The vanguard of the Russian proletariat, by assum- ing power, took upon itself the tremendous task of attempting to bring about an equality of all, of enhancing the human dignity of each individual, of attaining a higher civilization, and that not because these things have any absolute value, but because they are the inevitable conditions for reaching an organic human society, whose members shall be conscious of their role and of their responsibility. A Moral Transformation Without shouting out its mission to all the world. Communism has assumed this herculean task: the transformation of the Russian man. ^ Climate and the polictical system had made him passive, disinclined to individual initiative, capable of immense exertions, succeeded by periods of dreamy indolence; he was a lover of the infinite and the vague, an enemy of all calculation and precision, incapable of protracted application. Communism is about to change all this. It imbues manners and customs with a sense of the limita- tions of time, substitutes a methodical and regular activity for work with an indefinite goal, places a conscious responsibility on each member in the motions of the great whole. A precisely formulated program, plan and rule, have become the order of the day in all fields. The ideal is a true under-^ standing by every participant in this plan, a clear; recognition of his own part. This is the ideal t striven for by the policy of the Communist Party- and by the Soviet Government. And tliis means that for the first time in this world we are face to face with a society that is worthy of its name, in which all elements enjoy the dignity due to their activities, and strive with all their might for the realization of a generally approved plan. This will make the apparatus of mechanical coordination and external compulsion, formerly the function of the State, appear super- fluous. As Gorky says: "Out of this human, motley, spotted and indolent ant hill that is called Russia,'* Communism is slowly evolving an harmonious ' collectivity in which each man will feel a respon- sibility for what goes on about him and for his own acts. The new Communist man no longer needs to be born, for he is now no longer the subject of a Digitized by Google _ Febnuury 1, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 55 By Saving these Children you Save the Achievements of the Revolution, remote Utopia. He lives, he seeks, he multiplies. Read the letter of a Communist soldier who speaks of the new Communists admitted to the party during the so-called Party Week: "You wouldn't recognize them again. They were once abject, morally gagged; today they are as reborn, they are living people who aim at acting as bearers of the transformation of their comrades. How can I repress my admira- tion in the face of such a rebirth of human beings ? They are resurrected ones who will bring the light to thousands of workers.'* The first manifestation of the new man was the "heroism of labor". The French bourgeois cannot understand what this is; neither can the French worker; he cannot suspect what it means to work during a Russian winter without a fire in the house, and with but 400 grams of black bread in your stomach. Having deteriorated for six years, the materials are unfit to be used, and having led an abnormal life for six years, the man is ex- hausted; aid may be expected from nowhere, and there are no palliatives as there are in the west. Therefore action is required at once in order to emerge from the fatal circle: no bread, no work; and as no work is done, there will be no bread. The new men, not only the Communists, but also the millions and millions that follow the Commun- ists, have created a phenomenon unparalleled in hisotry: *The heroism of labor". The Communist Saturdays are yet nothing; they are merely a principle, although tremendous prodigies have been performed by a few hundreds or thousands of men, armed no longer with the boyonet and sword, but with the shovel and the pickaxe, carrying out in one month, with ease and joy, the labor of several years. The miracles of the fairy tale have been brought into life: on May 1 the workers of Kos« troma put up a People's House in twenty-four hours." This is already the voluntary, unpaid, joyous labor, the festival of future Communism. But the real heroism is to be found in the fac- tories, the workshops, in the industrial branches, the district trade unions, that have determined to keep on working, no matter what befall, until the circle of death has been broken through. Of course they could not decide this before they had be- eome aware of their function and duty in the Proletarian Revolution. The individual worker may grumble, the workshop or the factory may strike: it is not the heroism of an individual but of the whole Russian proletariat which has made this decision and is carrying it out. The recalcit- rant merely express the animal resistance of the flesh to the heroism of the body. But such members are unusual; heroism is the rule, even among the individuals of the smaller communities. A terri- torial regiment in Tyumen resolved to work two hours overtime each day "until Communism is completely put through". The metal workers of Chelyabinsk, "in view of the diflScult situation in the metal industry and the function played by this industry in the world war, in which each intensively utilized hour of labor will accelerate the hour of triumph of the proletariat over capitalism," re- nounced their legal vacation of two weeks each year. In the country, the peasants get together and till without compensation the fields of those called to military service. Trotsky has drawn the picture of one of those labor heroes who, in his words, are the mainstays of the socialist society. In order to overcome the . obstacles, to become master of the difficulties, to reach the desired re- sult, a high ethics, an inexorable will to mould life into better and higher forms than today, is re- quired. All these properties were possessed by Vassilyev, mechanic and chaufi"eur. There are millions of these labor heroes, as one may see as the Russian Republic gradually surmounts the economic crisis that is devouring the whole world. And at one time the Russian lacked confidence in himself, lacked pertinacity. What sorcerer has brought about this miracle? Perhaps we may discover the sorcerer in the resolution of the Congress of the Communist Party (April, 1920) : "It is necessary to acquaint each worker with the role that his factory plays in the social economy. Each month the workers of each factory are to be summoned to a general confer- ence, in order to hear the reports of the director* concerning the work done during the preceding month ^^and the program planned for the next month." A trace of this sorcerer may also be found in the pamphlet of Shatanovsky, a railroad engineer. This book explains to the workers the Digitized by Google 56 SOVIET RUSSIA Februarj 1, 1922, plan for die reorganization of the economic plan in general, and of transportation in particular, as well as the restoration of the railroads, tracks, etc. Order 1042 is reproduced, with a table of locomotives and the individual parts to be man- ufactured each month by each factory, each station- shop. This pamphlet was circulated in all districts by order of Leon Trotsky.* The Murman railway line was once constructed on the bones of tens of thousands of Czech and Austrian prisoners, as well as on the bones of the Yellow men that had been mobilized by force. Today the great electrical power station of Shatur is being erected with ease, because not only the electricians but also the peat-diggers and the peas- ants of the surrounding districts are consciously helping the Russian proletariat, whose acting and thinking limbs they are. Heroism of labor was created by the Revolu- tion and the Soviet State; it is based on the con- scious recognition by the workers that they belong to the great body politic. Therefore the heroism of labor in ruined and disorganized Russia is ac- complishing wonders that would be impossible anywhere else, under capitalism. George Sorel and Gorky compare Lenin with Peter the Great. This is wrong, it is an injustice to Lenin. Peter the Great was a monarch who wished to adapt Russia to the framework of Eu- ropean politics; he created an administrative force, an army, a navy, munitions factories, a capital and a capital police force, a court and a literature. Lenin, at the head of the Communist Party, of the proletariat, of the semi-proletariat, and of all affiliated elements of their classes, aims to adapt the working masses to a hitherto unknown level of organic and harmonious life. This is an incom- parably greater and more magnificent task ! This program is so immense that it cannot be limited only to Russia but must embrace tlie whole world; it is such an immense thing that it is revolutionizing the human conscience. It is open- ing a new era, not only in the realm of social con- struction, but also in the matter of the rules of life. What we have been calling morality hitherto has been a repressive code, consisting of a few positive and many more negative imperatives. It answered an individual, purely egotistical feeling of scruple, timidity, and restraint. Communism has substituted for this the boldness of action performed in common with others, the firm deter- mination to make a reality of the general ideal at any cost. This is the new rule, the new criterion of existence. This is the ethics of the new time, hitherto sought in general by the philosopher and now transformed into action by the Russian pro- letariat, freed from serfdom. *An interesting poster expressing the spirit of Order 1042 was printed in Soviet Russia, Volume IV, No. 18. It included the following information: **0n July 1, 1920, we had 9,600 healthy and 6,400 sick lomotives. On January 1, 1925, we shall have 3,200 sick and 12,800 healthy loco- motives. Carry out faithfully the Repair Plans of Order No. 1042. Now for four and a half years of hard work!" The New Provocation By Leon Trotskt The Red Army — ^together with the whole country — has recently lived tlirough several weeks of an acute political condition while the question was pending whether there should or should not be peace with Poland. Thanks to the extraordinary forbearance and peaceful persistence of Soviet dip- lomacy, an agreement was reached. The Polish Gov- ernment undertook the obligation of expelling from Poland those White Guards who were openly organ- izing hostile bands on the territory of Poland, pre- paring for terroristic actions against Soviet Russia. No sooner was the agreement signed by both parties, than Poland threw upon our territory a number of new and considerable bands, organized with one common plan and under the guidance of the same Petlura bandit Tyutyunik, who was subject to ex- pulsion from Poland. The unexampled provocative character of this new attack startled the whole army and made it ask: How much longer must our patience be tried? Undoubtedly, from the point of view of the so-called international law of the bourgeois states, this latest White Guard provocation is a direct challenge to declare war. But as the Soviet Gov- ernment does not want any war, it is not in a hurry to accept the challenge. It firmly hopes that the Polish people will stop these criminal adventures and call them to order. However, every Red Sodier must have a clear idea of the present condition. Poland has not one, but two governments. One, the oi&cial and public government, appears in parliament, nego- tiates and signs agreements. The other, not public, depends upon a considerable part of the officers with the so-called chief of the state, Pilsudsky. Behind the secret government stand the extreme im- perialists of France. At the very time when the official Polish Government, under the pressure not only of the laboring masses, but also of wide bourgeois circles as well, is compelled to maintain peace with Soviet Russia, the provocators of the Polish military headquarters try with all their might to call forth a war. What lesson is in this for us? Under no condition shall we help in the work of the provocators, but on the contrary, we shall as heretofore display utter forbearance in the matter of maintaining peaceful relations. But at the same time we must well re- member the dual will of the ruling class of Poland. We do not know whether the adherents of peace will carry the day in Poland this winter and in the coming spring, or whether it will be the criminal incendiaries. We must be ready for the worst. The Red Army will crush the Petlura bands again thrown upon our territory by the Polish adventurers. The Red Army will redouble its work in getting ready for the battle. No matter what turn the events may take the Red Army will not be at a disadvantage. Digitized by Google _ February 1, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 57 SOVIET RUSSIA OFFiaAL Organ of THE FRIENDS OF SOVIET RUSSIA Published Semi-Monthly 110 West 40th Street, New York, N. Y. Devoted to spreading information about Russia, with the specific purpose of informing American readers on the institutions and conditions in that country, so that they may feel the necessity of bending every effort to fight the famine that threatens to destroy the Revolution and its achievements. II/ITH the exception of the maps on pages 64 and 65, '^ and the front cover, the illustrations for this issue of Soviet Russia are taken from the Christmas Appeal for money and supplies to fight the famine, issued by the Friends of Soviet Russia. These designs are the work of Hugo Gellert, We knew of no more direct manner of im- pressing upon our readers the fact that this periodical is now dev9ted exclusively to the work of helping Russia in her present difficulty. The present issue of Soviet Russia is the first to appear since the paper became the Official Organ of the Friends of Soviet Russia. * • • HEAVY is the toll that Death is taking among the Russian population. And this is true of all classes of society. We would not belittle the pli^t of the Russian intellectual abroad who is unsympathetic to the Revolution, and therefore refuses to return to his home to work for the Government his people set up four years ago. But when we consider the great eflforts being made by reactionary organizations (one of them even exerted great eflfort in erecting a name of the pro- portions of ^The Society for the Regeneration of the Moral and Physical Forces of the Russian People") to look after the welfare of Russian refu- gees living in foreign countries, engaged in no activity of social importance for their native coun- try aside from the attempt to overthrow its gov- emnient — we are tempted to observe that the lot of the intellectual worker inside Russia at present is just as full of physical risk and suflfering as that of the counter-revolutionary Russian intellectual living abroad. Perhaps it is due to the famine conditions that there have been so many deaths of celebrated Russians in recent months, not only of relatively unknown and publicly insignificant peasants. Deaths reported in December include Vladimir Korolenko, the author of The History of My Contemporary and numerous short stories of Ukrainian lite; Nechayev, the celebrated geogra- pher, whose textbooks are well known in Russian schools; and Dr. Farrar, an American social work- er who succumbed to typhus after returning to Moscow from a journey to Samara to investigate the famine. On January 1, 1922, occurred the death, at Moscow, of Joseph Petrovich Goldenburg, a revolutionary leader of note, who had in recent jears been Director of the Information Department of the People's Commissariat of Foreign A£fairs. "\yf ANY organizations in America which col- ^^ lect funds for the purchase of supplies for stricken populations in Europe and Asia issue, in addition to whatever other printed publicity they may employ, a magazine appearing at regular intervals with the object of keeping the needs of the community whose material interests they rep- resent constantly before the eye of the contributing public. The American Red Cross, the Near East Relief, and the other organizations who make use of this method, have an even more extensive paral- lel in the associations that make use of periodical publications in their eflforts to stimulate charitable donations for ministrations within the country it- self, in accordance with the time-hackneyed maxim, "Charity begins at home". To many persons Rus- sia has long seemed a home; many eyes are turned eastward in the hope of some day beholding in the flesh the achievements of the greatest social transformation in modem times. This is the home that Soviet Russia aims to describe, the home of the Soviets of Workers and Peasants, of universal brotherhood and equality. In order that the reader may be fully informed as to the nature of the Rus- sian institutions that he is aiding when he sends bis contributions in cash and clothing to the Friends of Soviet Russia, we shall print, as in the present issue, not only famine descriptions and famine appeals, but also descriptive articles on revolutionary conditions in Russia, such as were printed in the days before Soviet Russia became the official organ of a relief organization. * * * T N view of the great sum of money that has been appropriated by Congress for relief in Russia, some solicitude will naturally be felt and expressed for the proper use of these funds. For Americans are accustomed to seeing public moneys squandered in outrageously dishonest ways. Discussing the work of the Friends of So\det Russia, the Russian Red Cross, the Medical Relief to Soviet Russia, and the American Federated Russian Famine Relief Com- mittee, a cabinet officer recently suggested, in a te- legram not intended for publication, that "such portion of their funds or supplies as are transmitted to Russia are shipped to the Soviet officials for dis- tribution by them." The insinuation that "such por- tion " is small cannot be taken as a ground of legal action, but the insinuation is none the less defi- nitely made. To free Edgar Whitehead from Ellis Island required the giving of a bond of $1000. Edgar Whitehead comes to the Friends of Soviet Russia with important instructions from the Famine Relief Conference recently held at Berlin. To get this necessary information, the United States Gov- ernment requires the F. S. R. to tie up $1000 that might otherwise go to Russia in the form of food. While the Department of Commerce expresses con- cern over the size of "such portion", the Depart- ment of Labor cuts the portion down a bit. And the Department of State, Passport Control Division, delayed delivery of a passport for the Treasurer of the F. S. R., thus making it impossible for him to attend the Berlin Conference in December. Digitized by Google 58 SOVIET RUSSIA Fd)niai7 1, 1922. The Commercial Agreement with Italy (On December 26 a Preliminary Commercial Agreement was signed at Rome between Italy and Russia by Marchese Delia Torretta, Minister for Foreign Afjairs of Italy, and Vorovsky, head of the Commercial Mission of the Russian Soviet Government in Italy, There was signed simultaneously a convention between Italy and Ukraine^ for which purpose the Ukrainian Soviet Government had given Vorovsky full power. The signing of this Prelimin- ary Commercial Agreement between Italy and Soviet Russia is the logical conclusion of a situation that had been too much delayed by the obstinate resistance of the Italian Government. The following is tfie full text of the treaty,) PREAMBLE AS it is in the interest of Russia and Italy immediately to resume peaceful commercial intercourse between the two countries, and as in the interval before the con- clusion of a commercial convention and of a formal gen- eral treaty between the Governments of these countries, to regulate their economic and political relations in the future, it is necessary to establish a preliminary agreement be- tween the Italian Government and the Government of the Russian Socialist Federated Soviet Republic, to be in- dicated below as the Russian Soviet Government, the above named parties have, by mutual consent, concluded the following preliminary agreement, with the object of re- suming traffic and commerce between them. The present convention is conditioned upon the fulfill- ment of the following conditions: a) That both of the two parties shall abstain from any act or attempt hostile to the other party and shall abstain from carrying on, outside of their own boundaries, any direct or indirect propaganda against the institutions of the Kingdom of Italy or of the Russian Soviet Government. By the term **carrying on propaganda" we include assistance or encouragement given by either party to any propaganda whatsoever, conducted outside of iu own boundaries; b) That all Italians, including natives of the Redeemed Provinces, who are now in Russia, shall be immediately permitted to return to their home country, and that all Russian citizens residing in Italy, who may desire to return to Russia, shall like- wise be given full liberty to do to. The two parties obligate themselves immediately to give all necessary instructions to the agents or other persons subject to their authority in order that they may conform to the above sUted conditions. Article L The two parties agree not to impose or mainUin any blockade against each other, and agree that on goods that may be regularly exported from or imported into their respective territories, to or from anv other foreign country, they will remove all obstacles that have hitherto prevented resumption of trade between Italy and Russia; not to subject such commerce to any condition putting it at a disadvantage as compared with any other country, and not to hinder the banking, credit, and financial operations connected with such commerce, but to apply the legisla- tion ordinarily operative in the respective countries. It is understood that this article does not deprive the parties of the privilege of regulating commerce in arms and muni- tions by general legal norms that may later be applied to all importations of arms and munitions from foreign countries, as well as to export of such. No provision of this article shall be interpreted as de- rogatory to the general international conventions binding either party, and by which the commerce in any specific kind of goods is now regulated or may later be regulated. Article II, Italian and Russian ships and their commanders, crews, and cargoes, shall obtain in Russian and Italian ports precisely the same treatment, privilege% facilities, immun- ities, and protection in every respect, as are habitually granted by the practices established among commercial nations, to foreign merchant ships, to their commanders, crews, and cargoes, visiting their ports, including the facilities customarily granted with regard to coal, water, pilots, anchoring, docks, cranca, repain, atorea, and in general all the services, facilities, and premises connected with maritime commerce. In addition, the Italian Govern- ment undertakes the obligation not to participate in or adhere to any measure restricting or preventing, or tend- ing to restrict or prevent, Russian ships from exercising the rights of free navigation on the high seas, straits and canals, and which are enjoyed by ships of other nationalities. This article shall not diminish the right of either party to take the measures, authorized by their laws, connected with the admission of foreigners to their ovm territory. Article III, Each party shall name such number of its citizens at shall be determined from case to case as reasonably neces- sary for the execution of the present agreement, with due regard to the conditions under which commerce in ita territories is carried out; the other party shall permit such persons to enter into its territory and to sojourn and do business there. It shall furthermore remain within the discretion of each of the two contracting parties to limit the admission of the above-said persons or individuals to any specific region and to refuse such admission and sojourn in its territory to any person whom it may con- aider non grata. The persons admitted in conformity vrith this article to the territories of each of the two parties shall, during the period in which they may remain for reasons of com- merce, be exempt from all compulsory services of any kind, whether civil, naval, military or other, and all con- tributions, whether in money or in kind, imposed as an equivalent of personal service, and shall have the right to leave when they so desire. They shall have the liberty to communicate freely by post and telegraph and to make use of telegraphic codes under the conditions and regulations fixed in the International Telegraphic Convention of Petersburg, of 1876 (as revised at Lisbon, 1908). Each party obligates itself to keep accounts and to pay the difference owing to the other party for telegrams direct and in transit and for letters in transit, on the basis of the Regulations of the International Telegraphic Convention and of the Convention and Regulations of the Universal Postal Union. The resulting difference shall be paid in the currency of either country, to be decided by the receiving party. Persons admitted to Russia under the terms of this agreement shall have the right to import freely goods (except goods, such as alcoholic beverages, whose importa- tion and production are or may be prohibited in Russia), destined solely for their own domestic use or for con- sumption in quantities reasonably required for such usa. Article IV. Each party may delegate one or more official agents, the number of whom shall be mutually agreed upon, who may reside and exercise their functions in the territories of the other party; these agents shall personally enjoy all the rights and immunities mentioned in the preceding article, and also immunity from arrest and search, and im- munity of office premises and dwellings, but it shall b« understood that either party reserves for itself the right to refuse admission as an official agent to any person whom it considers persona non grata, and may request the other party to recall such persons whenever acts have been com- mitted that are contrary to the present convention or to the customs of intematioaal law. Digitized by Google February 1, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 59 Such agents shall be accredited to the authorities of the country in which they reside, for the purpose of facilitat- ing the execution of this agreement and protecting the interesU of their nationals. The official agents shall have the right to communicate freely with their own government and with the official representatives of their own government in other countries, by post, telegraph and wireless telegraph, in cipher, and to receive and forward consignments in sealed pouches, subject to a limitation of 8 kilograms per week, which shall be exempt from search. The telegrams and wireless messages of these official agents shall enjoy all those rights of precedence over private dispatches that are generally granted to the dis- patches of official representatives of foreign governments in Italy and Russia. The official Russian agents in Italy shall enjoy the same privileges with regard to the execution of general and local taxation as are granted to the official representatives of foreign governments. The officii Italian agents in Russia shall enjoy similar privileges, which shall in no case, however, be less than those granted to the official agents of any other country. The official agents shall be empowered to vise the pass- ports of persons who may request to be admitted into the territory of either of the two parties, in conformity with the preceding article. ArHcU V. Each of the parties obligates itself in general to assure those persons admitted to its territory, in accordance with the two preceding articles, every protection and right, and the facilities that may be necessary to carry on busi- ness, but such persons shall always remain subject to the ordinary legislation operative in the respective countries. Article VI. The two contracting parties agree, from the moment of the conclusion of the present commercial agreement, to resume the exchange of private postal and telegraphic correspondence between the two countries, as well as the forwarding and acceptance of telegraphic messages and parcel post, in accordance with the norms and regulations in force up to 1914. Article VII. Passports, identification papers, powers of attorney, and other documents of like nature, issued or certified by com- petent authorities in either of the two countries and by their official agents, with the purpose of making possible the carrying on of commerce in accordance with this agree- ment, shall be considered in the other country as having been issued or certified by the authorities of a recognized foreign government. Article VIII. The Italian Government declares that it will not take airy step with the object of sequestrating or taking pos- session of gold, funds, securities, or goods, that have not been identified as the property of the Italian Government, and which may be exported from Russia on payment or as guarantee of importation. Nor shall any step be taken against the movable or immovable property that may be acquired by the Russian Soviet Government in Italy. The Italian Government renounces all special legisla- tion, not applying to other countries, against the imports- ticm into Italy of precious metals from Russia in money (other than Italian or Allied), in bullion, or in finished articles, or against gold imported in order to be stored, analyzed, refined, melted down, and given in guarantee or almilarly located in Italy. Article IX. The Russian Soviet Government obligates itself not to advance any claim to dispose in any manner of the assets or property of the former Imperial Government or of the Provisional Russian Government, that may still exist in Italy. The Italian Government correspondingly obligates itself with regard to the assets and the property in Russia of the Italian Government. This article does not preclude tho inclusion in the general treaty, provided for in the Preamble above, of provisions regarding the subject of this article. The two parties agree to hold and not to transfer to any claimant, prior to the conclusion of the above indicated treaty, the assets and property above named, now under their controL Article X. By virtue of the declaration adjoined to the present convention, with regard to claims of either of the two contracting parties, and of its respective citizens, upon the other, for property or rights or for obligations assumed by the existing governments, or by other governments pre- ceding them, in either country, and with regard to the compensation to private Italian or Russian persons who may have furnished goods or services respectively to Rus- sia or to Italy, the following is agreed: Gold, funds, titles, goods, and in general property of all kinds, of the two countries, imported or acquired after this convention, shall not be subject in the two countries to sequestration or to judicial action limiting the disposition over them, by reason of obligations assumed or of responsibilities in- curred by the existing governments or governments pre- ceding them in either country, before the signature of the present convention. Article XI. Goods, products and manufactured articles of one country, imported into the other, in pursuance of this agreement, shall not there be subject to compulsory requisition on the part of the government or of any local authority. ArticU XII. It is agreed that all questions concerning rights or claims of the co-nationals of the other party, concerning patents, labels, copyright or other property of authors in the territory of the other party, shall be equitably ad- justed in the treaty provided for in the Preamble. Article XIII. The present preliminary agreement shall enter into force immediately and the two parties shall at once take all necessary measures for its execution. Immediately after the signature of this agreement, the two parties shall begin a discussion of the commercial agreement, mentioned in the Preamble, which shall regulate the economic rela- tions between the two countries until they may be super- seded by a general treaty. The Commercial Agreement shall be signed within six months after the signature of the present Preliminary Convention. In cases of infraction on the part of one of the two parties, at any time whatsoever, of one of the provisions of this agreement or of the conditions mentioned in the Preamble, the other party shall immediately be freed from its contractual obligations. But the agreement shall never- theless stand that before taking any action contrary to the convention, the injured party shall allow the other party a reasonable time within which to furnish explana- tions or to remedy the error. It is mutually agreed that in each of the cases provided in the preceding clauses the parties shall offer all neces- sary facilities to liquidate, in accordance with the prin- ciples of the agreement, the transactions already con- summated, and the facilities for recall and departure from their territory of the nationals of the other party, and for the withdrawal of their movable property. In case the present convention should expire without being superseded by a Commercial Agreement, a prolonga- tion shall be provided for the liquidation of business trans- actions, not to exceed one year, in order to continue in force the immunities provided in Article III in favor of such persons as are indispensable to undertake such liquidation. Drawn up at Rome, December 26, 1921. (Signed) Della Torretta. VoROVSKY. The Treaty is accompanied by the following: Declaration op Recocnition op Claims At the moment of signing this convention both parties Digitized by Google 6« SOVIET RUSSIA February 1, 1922. declare that all 'claims of the parties and of their own nationals against the other party concerning property or rights or obligations assumed by the existing goTcmment and the preceding goiremments of either party, shall be equitably adjusted in the general definitive treaty provided for in the Preamble. However, without prejudicing the general provisions of the treaty provided for above, the Russian Soviet Govern- ment declares that it recognizes in principle its own responsibility for the payment or compensation to private persons who may have furnished goods or services to Russia tkat may still remain unpaid. The details for the txecution of this obligation shall be established by the Treaty pro- vided for in the Preamble. The Italian Government makes the same dedaration for itself. It is understood that the declarations above stated do not actually imply that the claims in question shall have priority in the above mentioned Treaty, as compared with claims of other tirpes, which may be provided for by the above Treaty. Rome, December 26, 1921. (Signed) Della Torretta VOROVSKY How the Soviet Government Works II. — ^The Counol of People's Commissars {The following is the second of a series of articles on the institutions of the Russian Soviet Government which we are reprinting from **Russian Information and Review**, published by the Russian Trade Delegation, London, The first was on the All-Russian Central Executive Committee,) THE Council of People's Commissars is that section of the apparatus of Government which concentrates in its hands from day to day all Government authority for purposes of current problems of administration. It is the Cabinet of the Soviet constitutional machine; and in its jresemblance to the Cabinets of other political forms represents the nearest approach made by the Soviet constitution to the forms which have pre- ceded it The supreme executive authority — and in Russia today it is very rare that the executive authority undertakes to legislate on important points without previously raising the matter in the supreme organ of all authority, the All-Russian Central Executive Committee — cannot be bound in its inner working by formal regulations, rules of procedure, etc., which must inevitably be drawn up in the case of a body which unites the executive with other func- tions. A weekly or bi-weekly mating of eighteen or nineteen heads of the principal administrative departments of State, who come together primarily not to legislate but to solve those of the problems which have arisen in the working of their depart- ments which afifect other sides of the national life — such meetings will be found at the head of the constitutional machinery of any modem commun- ity. If the Council of People's Commissars is in any way different from the Cabinets of western countries, it is perhaps in the actual make-up — the education and social outlook — of the men within it; possibly also in the existence of one or two departments of State which are not found in political structures based on a different social order. In the case of the Soviet Cabinet, moreover, the restriction of its functions to the framework laid down by the Soviet constitution of July, 1918, **the general direction of the affairs of the Repub- lic," is made more marked by a number of peculiar features. Each individual People's Commissar is the head of a department, the care for which was entrusted to him by the All-Russian Central Executive Com- mittee or the All-Russian Congress of Soviets; but he is responsible not only to these bodies, but also to a board, which exists in each People's Conmiis- sariat, and with which each People's Commissar must consult on all questions, with the exception of urgent cases. The board, moreover, without interfering with the execution of any decision of the People's Commissar concerned, has the right of bringing the question at issue before the whole of the Council of People's Conunissars, at one of its regular sessions. It is very rare, in point of fact, that a session of the latter has taken place during the last few years without any members of the board (in which are included the assistant People's Commissars) being present. The constitution of July, 1918, laid down that the All-Russian Central Executive Committee has the right to annul or suspend any decision or order of the Council of People's Commissars. An amend- ment adopted by the Eighth AU-Russian Congress of Soviets in December, 1920, permits the presi- dium of the All-Russian Central Executive Com- mittee to exercise this right also, both as regards individual Commissariats and with reference to decisions of the Coimcil of People's Commissars as a whole. These decisions have now for nearly four years been issued in one uniform way, over the signature of the Chairman of the Council of People's Com- missars, as representing the whole body, and of the Administrator of the Chancery and the Sec- retary to the Council of People's Commissars, as technical confirmation that the published decree corresponds exactly to the original adopted at the session of the Council. This practice has tak«^n the place of the heterogeneous and unsystematic forms prevalent during the first months of the revolution, when sometimes several People's Com- missars signed a decree and sometimes only one. Only decrees and national proclamations of ex- ceptional importance — such as announcements of a national crisis — are now signed by more than Digitized by Google February 1, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 61 one People's Commissar; while a decision pub- lished over the signature of one People's Com- missar alone, not the chairman, means that the announcement in question is of the nature of an administrative regulation, and not a decree affect- ing the mass of citizens. All decrees of the Council, and all regulations issued by its members individually, are binding upon the central and local authorities whose work they affect The transmission of these disposi- tions takes place in two ways; to the principal local authorities (Soviet executive committees in provinces, counties, and rural districts, and Soviets in towns and villages), where the matter involved is one of general importance, and involving the work of more than one department (for example, a decree instituting a three weeks' ''fuel campaign", a decree instituting a ten per cent tax on all theatre, concert, etc., tickets in aid of the Famine Relief Fund, or a decree instituting a network of brigade political schools of instruction for the needs of the Red Territorial Army) ; and direct to the local departments themselves (health, education, labor, general administration, etc.) where the question is one of detailing or explaining the work of the People's Commissariat concerned to its correspond- ing department of the local authority (for example, where it is a question of organizing mutual aid committees in the villages and rural districts under the auspices of the county social welfare depart- ments, or of registration of the stocks and invent- ories of Soviet estates by provincial land depart- ments, or of explaining to the local economic councils the policy of the Soviet Government with regard to the leasing of factories) . Decrees by Individual Commissariats Once transmitted, as has been pointed out, the decree or regulation is binding; but the amend- ments to the Constitution adopted in December, 1920, provide for the suspension by provincial executive committees of decisions of individual People's Commissariats, "in extraordinary circum- stances, or when such disposition is in clear con- travention of a decision of the Council of People's Commissars or the A. R. C. E. C.,* or in other cases by resolution of a provincial executive com- mittee." In such cases, however, the latter must immediately inform the Presidium of the A. R. C. E. C, the Council of People's Conunissars, and the People's Commissariat concerned; and it bears collective responsibility before the first- named body, which shall decide which party is at fault (if necessary, which party shall be im- peached). That this amendment to the Constitu- tion has not remained merely on paper has been shown by several striking cases, during the last twelve months, of impeachments before the Supreme Judicial Tribunal of local food depar*^- nients, economic councils, departments of health, etc., for arbitrarily setting aside in one way or * AII-Raflsian Central Executive Committee. another the decisions of the central authority from which they receive instructions. On the whole, however, striking irregularities im the execution of the decisions of the central author- ities have been, wild and vague assertions during the past four years notwithstanding, surprisingly few, wherever local conditions did not completely prevent the transmission of those decisions in a clear and lucid form, or were not in some other way so abnormal as to distract public attention from the particular question involved. While, judging by customary standards, this is a surpris- ing feature to encounter in a revolutionary admin- istration, on the other hand it is perhaps as charac- teristic of the new methods and work heralded by the rise of this revblutionary administration as any other side of its activity. In the words of a recent writer: "Any politically-educated citizen knows that every decree of the Council of People's Commissars, whether it deals with collective pay- ment of the workers or with some reform in the army, is not merely the composition of some wise men in a Cabinet Every decree is the outcome of a vast preliminary work at working-class meetings, in factory committees, in Soviets, trade unions, party organizations, peasant and Red Army assem- blies, economic conferences, and so on. If anyone were to undertake the task of tracing the history of some important decree, he would receive con- vincing evidence of how its main points, first in the shape of vague expressions of desire, and then in more or less definite resolutions, took shape amongst the active rank and file of the class-con- scious masses. And very soon, passing through the stages of party, trade union, and Soviet dis- cussion, they reach the centre, where they receive their final form in the shape of a new law." Quantity of Work Done When we turn to the few but illuminating statis- tics we have at our disposal to illustrate the work of the Council of People's Conmiissars, it becomes difiBcult to decide at what to be more astonished — at the activity of the masses, to which reference has just been made, or to the immense capacity for toil of the men at the other end of the consti- tutional machine. During the six months between November 1, 1920, and May 1, 1921, 395 questions came up before the Council of People's Commis- sars, of which fifty-seven were brought forward by the Supreme Economic Council, forty-one by the Sub-Council (a special commission of the Council, set up during the last twelve months, for the purpose of dealing preliminarily with numbers of questions, principally of an economic character, thereby facilitating the work of the larger body), thirty-four by the People's Commissariat for Food, twenty-six by the Commissariat for Foreign Trade, twenty-five by the Commissariat for Land, twenty- three by the Commissariat for Agriculture, and so on. It is noteworthy that, in all, seventy per cent of the questions discussed were of an economic character. Similarly, out of the 1,178 questions that came up for discussion during the indicated Digitized by Google 62 SOVIET RUSSIA February 1, 1922. period in the Sub-Council, 385 dealt with finance, 153 with questions of Soviet organization, 180 with questions of industry, 105 with questions of labor; and so on, military, judicial, and even educational problems bein^ overshadowed by economic prob- lems. Thus, the Council of People's Commissars at work is a true reflector of the life and needs of the nation at the present moment of transition. The thirty commissions of the Council which were organized during the first four months of 1921 fall into categories which point the same moral. Seven were on industrial questions, seven on questions of supply, four for working out points in connection with labor and compulsory labor service, two on financial questions, two on general questions (the drawing up of a draft sketch of the activity of the economic commissariats, and the organization of a State Economic Planning Com- mission), and eight in connection with other auestions. These commissions are thus in marked istinction from those set up under the auspices of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee, the functions of which, as indicated in an earlier article, are bound up first and foremost with ques- tions of control, and then with questions of law. The Council of People's Commissars, therefore, is the centre at which the nineteen People's Com- missariats meet for harmonizing their activity, settling questions of an inter-departmental charac- ter, and working out legislation for submission to the chief legislative authorities in connection with those (principally economic) problems, the solu- tion of which is vital to the existence of the Republic. A Model Clothing Factory in Russia T^HE model clothing factory of the Chief Cloth- ^ ing Supplies Department (formerly belong- ing to Alschwang) has for its task the study and introduction of standardized methods of production in the clothing industry. With this object in view, the technical research division of the factory is working on patterns, on models of clothing, and de- scriptions of the process of production, and prepar- ing estimates on the required quantities of material, trimmings and other supplies. The results of this work are being sent out to all the clothing factories throughout the country. The technical research division is divided into seven specific sections: men's civilian clothing, women's outer garments, women's dresses, military uniforms, underwear division, and general technical division. The factory employs the American system of division of labor. Beginning with July 11, the factory introduced higher wages (200,000 rubles for a worker of the 1st section) and lowered the standard time required for the production of each article (thus, for ex- ample, the time required for the making of a man's suit has been decreased from 80 hours 8 minutes to 17 hours 4S minutes). Owing to the satisfactory results achieved in the application of these new schedules of payment and production, the factory has petitioned to be put in the category of col- lectively supplied establishments, which petition was granted on August 16. The results became apparent very soon, in the increased output and the improvement in discipline, as well as in the lowered cost of production, which we already re- ported in a recent issue oJf our paper. We arc citing below, for purposes of comparison, the data for June, i. e., prior to the introduction of the new schedule of payments, on the one hand, and also for the months of August and September. In the month of June there were 1096 workers employed at the factory; the total absences amount- ed to 33 per cent, truancy making up 10.7 per cent During the month of August there were only 692 workers employed at the factory, the absences fell to 14.6 per cent and truancy to 2.1 per cent. In «pite of a 37 per cent reduction of the staff, the total output of the factory during August amounted to 283 per cent of the output for June. While during one half of the month of June the total output in terms of suits amounted to 1,052.4 garments, during the latter part of August the output, in the same terms, amounted to 2,478.8 garments, and during the first half of September — to 3,481.2 garments. The productivity of labor increased 4.5 times, with the introduction of col- lective supplies. During June, each worker pro- duced 0.94 garments, while with the introduction of the system of collective supplies the produc- tivity rose to 4.3 garments per worker. The results are also clearly to be seen in the reduction in the cost of production. The cost of labor per hour, including the cost of products in kind furnished to the workers, amounted in August lo 6,865 rubles, which means that the cost of production of each suit is 121,854 rubles, taking 17 hours 45 minutes as the standard time required for the production of one suit. Prior to the introduction of the col- lective supply system, according to the data for the first quarter of 1921, the cost of labor (both in money and in kind) amounted to 149,711 rubles per suit Thus, notwithstanding the considerable increase in the actual remuneration of each worker, the cost f)er unit of production not only did not increase, but even decreased 23 per cent. The total output of the factory for June was 1,052.4 suits; for July— 2,478.8 suits (higher rates have been introduced) ; for the first half of August — 1,705.8 suits; and for the second half of August (after the system of collective supplies was in- stalled) —2,706.4. On September 23 a special commission, formed pursuant to clause 4 of the instructions on the application of the decree on collective supplies, Digitized by Google February 1, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 6S and consisting of the representatives of the Chief Clothing Supply Department, the Workers' and Peasants' Inspection, the Union of Clothing Work- ers, and the management of the factory, checked up the entries concerning the actual output of the factory from August 16 to September 16, as well as the time required for the making of each gar- ment. The Commission found that the factory had produced during the period indicated above, in terms of men's suits, 5,960 garments, while the monthly task of the factory was 4,452 garments. Thus, the factory had produced 133.87 per cent of its program for that month. During the second month following the intro- duction of the system of collective supplies, i. e., from September 16 to October 15, the factory was engaged in a great deal of organizing work, the division of work and the grouping of workers. For this reason, as well as for various other reasons (partial delay in the supply of material, the lack of firm prices for some articles, which were being manufactured for the first time, in connection with the division of the workers into groups, the lack of electric lamps, and a number of other causes) the factory produced during that month only 101 per cent of its program. However, at the same time, the management of the factory stated that the decrease in its output was due to a considerable extent to the great increase in the quality of the articles manufactured. The progress in this direc- tion was so considerable that the management granted the workers a special premium for the quality of their work. Altogether the factory pro- duced during the period from September 16 to October 15, in terms of men's suits, 4,499 garments (the schedule required 4,452 suits). Towards the end of this second month of the factory's work under conditions of collective sup- ply, the management of the factory in its report to the Standardization of Labor Division of the Moscow Province Trade Unions Council, expressed the assurance that in future, with the elimination of the above mentioned handicaps, the produc- tivity would again rise to the level attained during the first month. The two weeks which have passed since October 15 have fully justified the opinion of the management. The factory received a rush order for 2,500 army overcoats, 2,500 blouses and 2,500 pairs of trousers, within ten days. At a general meeting of the workers, called for this purpose, it was decided, in order to fill this order promptly, to lengthen the working day by two hours or the period indicated above. As a result, the order was completed on time, and the manage- ment points out that the workers took an enormous interest in the work while this order was being filled. The output for the first half of the third month of work, under the collective supply system, forms, according to the calculations made by the manage- ment, 135 per cent of the program. We cite below some data on the monthly wages (in money and in kind) paid out on the average to each worker, following the introduction of the system of collective supply, during August and September: in kind — 60 lbs. of bread, 7 pounds of meat, 5 pounds of fish, 1 pound of butter, 2 pounds of vegetable oil, 50 pounds of vegetables, 1 pound of sugar, 2 pounds of salt, ^ pound of soap, 3 pounds of kerosene, 4 pounds of cofifee, 250 cigarettes, 2 boxes of matches; altogether, according to the market rates, this amounts to 533,000 rubles. In addition to this, the average monthly wages of each worker include 1/12 of a pair of shoes, 1/12 of a pair of soles and vamps, Ys of a suit, which altogether amounted to 117,000 rubles; the wages in money paid out monthly to each worker amounted to 150,000 rubles on the average. Thus, the total monthly earnings of each worker during August and September, in terms of money, amounted to 800,000 rubles. During the following month the average wages per worker rose to 900,000 rubles. — Ekonomicheskaya Zhizn, Nov. 5, 1921. Clothed Old fed, the Russian workers will deal terrific blows to Famine's cluaices of a reappearance. Digitized by Google 64 SOVIET RUSSIA February 1, 1922. ScAL£cfAf/l£5. TPaf/roads //a^Ar/r/c/tsv^ar?. jSL Present Outlines of Armenian Territory TVTe are frequently asked as to the exact boundary- lines of the various Soviet Republics that have been established under the protection and often with the assistance of the Russian Soviet Government. From The New Near Easty a magazine issued, like Soviet Russia, in the interests of a famine relief organization, we take the data on which the accom- panying map is based, as well as the information printed below. Some of the names in the map were mentioned in Soviet Russia's Treaty with Turkey. On April 23, 1920, the Republic of Armenia, consisting of some 19,000 square miles of territory, formerly part of the Russian Empire, was recog- nized by the United States as a de facto govern- ment. On April 26, at the San Remo conference, President Wilson was asked, and on May 21 he accepted, to delimit the boundaries of the Armenian Republic with Turkey. At this period the Armenians were advancing claims to 109,000 square miles of Turkish and 26,491 square miles of Russian territory. On August 10, 1920, the Treaty of Sevres form- ally recognized the existence of the Armenian Republic, including the Turkish vilayets of Van, Bitlis, Erzerum and Trebizond, to a line to be fixed by President Wilson. With this recognition of Armenia's claim, the Armenian Government undertook to occupy the territory thus formally ceded them, but the small Armenian army was overwhelmed by the Turkish Nationalists, Kars was captured on October 31, Alexandropol entered on November 7, and the Armenians forced to sue for peace on any terms. Through the mediation of Russia, the Turkish advance was halted, and on December 3 the Treaty of Alexandropol was signed, by which a large part of the province of Kars was ceded to Turkey. On December 2, however, a rising against the government of Armenia in Erivan and Karakliss led to the establishment of a Soviet form of gov- ernment, but entirely under Armenian control. Sarkis Kassian was chosen president. Through the intervention of Russia, Azerbaijan ceded to Armenia the Karabakh highlands and the district of Zanga- zur, to compensate for the territory lost to the Turks. On February 18, 1921, a counter-revolution in Erivan failed and Alexander Maesnagian became president. On April 21 the Turkish army was compelled by Russia to evacuate Armenia, and peace became established for the first time since 1914. Digitized by Google February 1, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 65 Russia's Foreign Trade in 1921 (ITe &re now in a position to give complete figures for Russia's foreign trade during the first three quarters of the year 1921. The volume of both imports md exports shows a continuous and rapid increase, dating from the conclusion of the trade agreements with Great Britain, Germany, and other countries. Throughout the nine months the predominant categories of imports were foodstuffs, fuel, and metals, machinery, tools, etc., together account- ing for 594,000 tons — eighty-nine per cent of the total. The folowing table shows (in tons) the monthly fluctuations in these three categories dur- ing the third quarter of the year: TMPORTS in the first quarter of the year amounted -■• to 49,368 tons; in the second quarter to 140,115 tons; and in the third quarter to 403,616 tons. It will be seen that the imports in the third quarter of the year were double the imports for the first six months. The steady increase in the volume of trade continued month by month in the third quarter. Thus, in July arrivals of goods amounted to 90,566 tons; in August to 143,466 tons; and in September to 168,566 tons. Below we give a chart of the monthly movement of Russia's imports during the nine months under consideration. Foodstuffs Fuel, etc July 32,708 33,619 August 25,341 83,333 September 77,176 43,336 Metals, machinery, etc 34,373 33,428 19,010 'H!Mli.'.'II.LJi!lli.i;HliiiJil.jni Jt'.iIiagJl!31ESi^.':T'L:..T 3 > / y ir- (ffQ. / .J f ^_ A /- C i to — tl -^ / s ^ >i > 1 > lJ The following is a table analyzing the imports for the nine months, in the eleven categories of the oiEcial statistics, and for the purpose of comparison a similar analysis of imports for the first six montfaa of the year. Impons Per- Imports Pcr- from centage from centage Jan. to of total Jan. to of total June imports Sept. imports Caieg»ry Tons Foodstuffs 70,335 Animal products . . 8,167 Timber and seed . . 11,691 Earthenware .... 106 Fuel, pitch, etc... 33,850 Chemicals 13,890 Metals, machinery, tools, etc 41,266 Paper and paper goods 9,242 Rope, twine, etc. . . 4,725 Wearing apparel . 1,036 litiscellaneous 3,418 Ton* 37.2 205,561 347 4.4 1U21 1.6 6.2 12,625 2.1 0.1 259 0.2 17.8 193,294 32.6 3.0 7,850 1.3 21.8 128,076 21.6 4.9 15,398 2.6 2.5 7,166 1.0 0.5 1,120 0.2 1.6 12,205 2.1 The relative proportion of the various categories to each other and to the total of imports give sno indication of what would be Russia's reqpirements from abroad in normal times. Rather, they re- flect the economic vicissitudes and periodical crises through which Russia is passing either as a result of the revolution and the civil war, or of natural calamity. Thus, the large proportionate imports of coal were caused by the fuel crisis, which was foreseen in April and May of this year, and ac- counted for the sudden leap in coal imports from July onwards. Similarly, the imports of foodstuffs, which should have diminished considerably with the gathering of the harvest, maintained, and urill even increase, their relative importance on account of the calamitous failure of the crops in a large area of the richest grain producing provinces of Russia. Hius, we find from the fid)ove table an increase of over 50,000 tons of foodstuffs in Sep- tember, while fuel which had risen from 3300 tons in June to 33,619 tons in July, and 83^33 tons in August, decreases to 43,335 tons in Septem- ber. The group metals, machinery, etc., shows a ssimilar decline. This category, consisting largely of agricultural, industrial, and railway machinery, would, under normal conditions, form the largest staple item of Russia's imports, but we find it dur- ing the period under consideration progressively giving place to temporarily more urgent require- ments. It is to be hoped that the normal relative importance of these goods will soon assert itself, but, until the next harvest, at least, imports of foodstuffs must still occupy a dominant place. The category of foodstuffs is mainly composed of the following items: Tout 197,726 100.0 594,775 100.0 Tons Rve 50,000 Fiour 30,000 Herrings 25,000 Wheat 25,000 Beans 19,000 Tons Rice 12,500 Sugar 3,500 Pork and fats . . 6,000 Tinned meat .. 2,200 Digitized by Google 66 SOVIET RUSSIA February 1, 1922. The category metals, machinery, etc., comprises mainly agricultural machinery and railway materi- al. Agricultural machinery occupied the prime place in this group until June, after which its urgency being deferred until the spring of next year, transport material begins to replace it in importance. Below is a table (quantities in tons) showing the fluctuation in the imports of these two items together with their percentage relation to the whole group for the nine months. Total for Agricultural Transport group machinery material January to June 41,597 19,811 6,220 July 19,015 5,535 10,134 August 33,428 1,771 29,397 September 34,373 5,724 28,554 Percentage of group total for period (Jan. to Sept.) 100 24.64 58.02 England, Germany, and America were the chief countries of supply of Russian imports. In the first half of the year Esthonia occupied the fourth place, but in the following three months Sweden replaces her. The following table gives the prin- cipal countries of origin, the amount imported from tliem, and the percentage of the total imports for the nine months: Tons Percentage of imports England 193,174 32.6 Germany 136,940 23.0 U. S. A 115,413 19.5 Sweden 49,022 8.3 Esthonia 32,880 5.5 Latvia 7,768 1.3 Finland 4,666 0.8 Lithuania 1,092 0.2 Poland 390 0.1 Total 541,345 91.3 England occupies the chief place. Details of Russia's purchases in the United Kingdom have been given in previous numbers of Soviet Russia. From Germany was imported the bulk of the agricultural and industrial tools and machinery, and in the last quarter the bulk of the railway material. An increase in the imports from the U. S. A. latterly is accounted for by the goods imported on behalf of the famine sufferers. The border countries play an unimportant part in the supply of imports, but serve chiefly as countries of transit. In this connection the growth of the traffic through Petrograd port, obviating the neces- sity of transit through the border countries, is dealt with elsewhere in this issue. II. The export returns show far more modest figures; nevertheless, as will be seen from the table below, the rate of progress is as rapid as that of the imports. The rate of increase is maintained throughout the individual months of the last quarter — in July were exported 9,866 tons; in August 11,850 tons; and in September 27,933 tons. The exports still continue to fall far short of the imports, as the following table shows: 1921 Imports Exporu Balance of imports over export Tons Tons Tons First quarter. . Second quarter Third quarter. 49,368 140,115 403,616 7,787 35,594 49,661 41,581 104,521 353,955 Total 593,099 93,042 500,057 It must not be forgotten, when considering the adverse balance of trade, that even after the con- clusion of the trade agreement the legal position of goods and gold imported from Russia into England was still unsettled, and that until this was established after protracted law court proceedings, experts from Russia were necessarily on a restricted scale. On the whole, until the conclu- sions of the agreements with various countries the conditions for import were more favorable than the conditions of export. Another consideration to be borne in mind is that the above figures are weights and do not represent in any way the actual exchange value of the goods. When it is remem- bered, for instance, that a large bulk of the im- ports is machinery, and that furs figure largely in the exports, it will be seen that considerable reductions would have to be made in the propor- tions of the financial balance of trade to get a true picture of its extent. Unfortunately, adequate figures of values are not yet available. On the whole, Russian exports are finding favor- able markets abroad. The index figure for prices of Russian timber up to October 30 fluctuated be- tween 200 and 300 (counting 1913 prices at 100). The index figure for the price of flax on the Lon- don market was 263 and for hemp 130. At the Leipzig Fair Russian furs were in considerable demand and were sold at favorable prices. The chief markets for Russian exports were Latvia, 46.7 per cent, and England, 33.6 per cent, A great part of the exports to Latvia was, how- ever, re-exported to other countries; unfortunately details are not available. To England were ex- ported chiefly timber, leather, furs, bristle, horse- hair, asbestos, and graphite; to Latvia timber and flax. The third place is taken by Turkey with six per cent, chiefly salt, and the fourth place by Germany, with 4.6 per cent, chiefly furs, flax, and asbestos. Digitized by Google February 1, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 67 "Industrial Immigration" to Soviet Russia ^^T^HE economic front" is the watchword of **• Soviet Russia today. After four years of imperialist war and three years of revolution, fighting on all sides against internal and foreign enemies, the Russians are now turning against their final enemy — the industrial dislocation of the country. They have become so accustomed to military terms, that they speak of "attack", "enemy", "front", etc., also in dealing with the industrial situation; and if they show as much de- termination, courage and sense of reality on the economic field as they have shown on the military, they will unquestionably conquer all existing diffi- culties. To be sure, this struggle for economic recon- struction is more difficult than thr military strug- gle. It requires more patience and perseverance, it is a much slower process. Kryzhanovsky says, in his introduction to the "Plan of Electrification of the R. S. F. S. R." (Moscow 1920) : "First of all, we must know and remember distinctly that to liquidate the inheritance of seven years of war and to rebuild the whole of our national economy on an entirely new foundation is not possible in a short time. It is necessary to reconcile ourselves from the start to the thought that the struggle on the economic front presents greater difficulty than the struggle on the military front, and that here too, we find ourselves greatly dependent on inter- national relations." ^ Russian Workers Decimated Realizing this situation and the further fact that the army of skilled Russian workers has been very largely dissipated in the course of seven years of struggle, we can understand how difficult is the task before Soviet Russia today. Russia was always backward industrially, and the number of its in- dustrial workmen was never large, as compared with highly developed industrial countries, like Germany, England, or the United States. Prior to the war the industrial workers did not exceed three millions, in a population of nearly one hundred and eighty millions. The most skilled and class- conscious element, employed in the large factories of Petrograd and Moscow, sufi'ered most during this period. In the first years of imperialist war, the Tsarist government made no distinction in re- cruiting for the army and sent many skilled work- men to the front. In the revolutionary period it was again the skilled, most conscious workmen who took the leading part in the revolutionary struggle. It was Red Petrograd and Red Moscow that sent contingent after contingent to the front ranks of the Red Army. It is stated that out of a band of 2,000 Putilov workmen who went to the front only 17 remain alive. Similar instances can be cited about workmen of other large establishments. Those who remained alive are now spread all over Russia and Siberia, in many instances occupying responsible positions in the Red Army, or in the administrative departments of the Soviet Government In addition, a great number of city workmen have drifted to the country, where living conditions were easier, and where they have settled as small handicrafts- men. Thus the industries of Soviet Russia have lost their more able workmen, the skilled mechanics, the foremen, etc. Again the younger element, the apprentices, who under normal conditions would have developed into skilled mechanics and taken the place of the older men, also participated active- ly in the wars, and so lost every contact with industry. Thia lack of skilled men is apparent everywhere. In the mines, in the industrial establishments of Russia, there is a wide gap be.tween the management of the industries and the common laborers, who make up the working forces. The upper layer of this working force, usually made up of trained mechanics, electricians, toolmakers, expert miners, in fact experienced men of all trades, is practically absent. Soviet Russia is doing what it can to fill this gap, to create a new contingent of intelligent skilled workmen. Many technical schools have been established everywhere for this purpose. Nearly every factory of any size, every industrial settlement, has a school of this type, frequently under the name of "Rabfak" (Workmen's Faculty). At the Bazhenovo mines in the Urals, for example, there is a school where young men between 16 and 20 years old study engineering, mechanics, etc., for four hours each day; the other four hours they spend actually working in the shops, receiving a full day's pay. There are night schools for adults and many new schools in the towns for higher technical education. In three or four years these schools will exert a powerful influence on Russian industrial life; at the moment, however, they can- not supply the demand. Soviet Russia, therefore, is inviting trained men from foreign lands to come and swell the ranks of her skilled workers. A new department has been created for this purpose — a department of Industrial Immigration, under the jurisdiction of the Supreme Council of National Economy. The scope of the work of this department is outlined in the Decree of June 29, 1921, which says in part: 1) The Department of Industrial Immigration is or- ganized as a part of the Central Production Division of the Supreme Council of National Economy. This Depart- ment will designate: 2) Which industrial enterprises, by reason of their equipment, or because of other particular conditions, are suitable for operation by foreign workers, and may be turned over to such workers organized into Artels, Coop- eratives, etc., on the basis of lease in accordance with the Decree on Leases, or on any other basis that may be found suitable, such enterprises to enjoy a certain degree of autonomy, which will be determined in each case between the contracting parties, and to be under the supervision of the Supreme Council of National Economy. Digitized by Google 68 SOVIET RUSSIA February 1, 1922. In accordance with this decree the Supreme Council of National Economy has appointed a representative in the United States to supervise In- dustrial Immigration to Soviet Russia; the work to be done is outlined in a statement of the repre- sentative recently made public, which reads: "Following the line of the new economic policy of the Soviet Government, tlie Supreme Council of National Eco- nomy is inviting organized groups of workers, agricultural and industrial cooperatives, partnerships, groups, etc^ to come to Soviet Russia for the purpose of leasing or taking on concessions industrial estaiblishments, factories, mills, agricultural colonies, etc., in accordance with recent decrees of the Soviet Government. The Supreme Council of Nation- al Economy also invites engineers, skilled mechanics, elec- tn'cians, miners, builders, and trained men in all branches of industry, to come and take part in the building up of the economic life of Russia. For the development of Russian agriculture, it invites also farmers, especially organ- ized agricultural colonies, to come and introduce modem methods of agricultural and machine farming in Soviet Russia. ^While technicians and skilled men are thus invited to Russia to undertake specific tasks, it must be understood that this does not imply at this time an opening of the Russian border to general immigration. On the contrary, the Russian border remains closed to general immigration until further notice, and only those who come under the head 'Industrial Immigration' will be admitted. The representative of the Supreme Council of National Economy in the United States will work in conjunction with the Society for Technical Aid to Soviet Russia in the United States and Canada, Room 303, 110 West 40th Street, New York Qty, to whom inquiries and correspond- ence should be addressed." Industrial Immigration thus coming to Soviet Russia, mainly in organized groups, will go to factories or other industrial establishments pre- viously agreed upon, and farm workers or agri- cultural groups will receive land allotments for the establishment of agricultural conmiittees. Workers who enter industries individually will be subject to the general conditions prevailing in Soviet Russia and will receive payment in money and kind, in accordance with the established stand- ards, and will be compensated for whatever materi- al resources, in the shape of tools, etc., they may bring with them. The immigrants will pay their own way to a Russian port and should bring en- ough food-stuffs, clothes, etc., to last them during the first period of their residence in Russia. In the United States there are over 3,000,000 Russian-Americans. Probably ten per cent would return to Russia, and these emigrants could play an important part in the rebuilding of Russian industry. The skill which they acquired in Amer- ica, their work discipline, and theii knowledge of modern industrial methods would bring into Rus- sian industrial life the very elements which Russia lacks at present. In addition these workers have accumulated savings. It is estimated therefore that each Russian American coming to Russia could pay his way to a Russian port and bring a certain fund into Russia in addition. We have in mind a sura of 300 dollars per person; perhaps now, after many months of unemployment, this situation has changed and the workers have consumed their savings. But with 300 dollars, each person could expend 50 or 100 dollars for foodstuffs and cloth- ing, an equal sum for transport and 100 dollars for tools. In the aggregate this would prove a very considerable fund. The entire immigration plan will have to be car- ried out in a most careful manner. The location of the immigrants in Russia, their transportation, the transport of their baggage and belongings, the reception at port of arrival and at point of destina- tion must be planfully arranged. Likewise, the information of immigrants — they must be told clearly of the existing Russian conditions, also the places they are assigned to. The work in the United States, organization of groups, selection of individual immigrants, is to be carried on through the Society for Technical Aid to Soviet Russia of the United States and Canada, which is an organ- ization of the workers themselves. Such selection of immigrants is necessary, at least for some time, so as to eliminate elements that may become a source of annoyance to the Soviet Government, such as counter-revolutionists, anarchists, idlers, etc. Also, for the first period, preference may be given to single men, and men possessing the necessary funds. It should also be borne in mind, when speaking of applying American Industrial methods to Soviet Russia at the present moment, that a great deal of caution should be exercised in attempting such application. American methods of high speed and mass production are all right, provided the de- mand for the product is there, and the rest of the industrial machine is attuned to it. In Russia, how- ever, the American technique will have to be care- fully adjusted to the existing political and economic conditions, to the conditions of food supply, trans- port, exhaustion, after the seven years of war, and to the labor psychology. The Russian-American workers will certainly bring greater skill and better technique into production. Yet as Russians, know- ing their country and its customs, they will adjust themselves to Russian life much more readily than foreign workers — Americans, English or others. To apply American technique as a whole will be an absurdity. It is necessary to apply these methods gradually and the best instrument for that are the Russian-American workers, who understand the country, and whom the present diflScult conditions will not surprise. Besides, they return to their own country, whose language and customs they know and with whom they are in mental sympathy at the very outset. Thus the Russian workers will be able to raise production by their better skill. At the same time, under the conditions of the New Order in Russia, these workers from America or from other foreign lands will escape the end- less drudgery and suppression which are the char- acteristics of capitalistic production and which make life for workers in America so colorless and so oppressive. Together with the Russian workers they will join in the building of a Socialist Com- monwealth, under the inspiration and guidance of a government of their own class. Digitized by Google February 1, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA National Office Notes 69 K. »hi *?. ^* interested in the work of fighting the famine in Russia udU want to know what is being done i^the workers everywhere to lighten the burdens of the Russian people. The National Office of the Friends of T^nII^^ ^ ^•'^JfV*^'";'?"/*^'* *" *f,^^ "^'^^ ^f '^ P^P^'' ''"' ^^« progress of this work. The address of 1^. ; / c'^"'*' "n^^ West \Zth Street, New York, and perhaps you may want to send them some money. The ^fficTb! jL '^) ^^^^ P^^^^^ ^5. will print a compUte list of aU contributions received at the National funds collected by the Friends of Soviet Russia steadily increase. $340,000 is the total to date, while thio amount of clothing that has been donated by the 140 branches all over the country, during the past month is ▼alued at more than $250,000. New York alone has gathered more than 4,000 bundles of clothing, conservatively estimated at $40,000. Detroit nas sent in 83 cases of clothing, shoes and other supplies. Wihnington has contributed 10 bales, Waterbury, 58 bales. East Rockford, 111., 5 cases, Mansfield, O., 6 cases, Chicago, 22 cases and 24 bags of clothing. Numerous individual parcels, packages and bundles have arrived from every •ection of the United States. San Francisco is conducting a great drive to enlist the labor unions. A large committee is at work and prospects «re excellent. Los Angeles is looking far ahead. January 22, April 1, and May 1 are being dedicated to big aflFairs. Lot Angeles recently sent ofiF a number of cases of clothes, etc, direct to Soviet Russia. Phoenix, Arizona, is beginning to function as a branch full of life. The workers in that acction of the country want to know the truth about Soviet Rnssia and are clamoring for speakers. Activity in the Rocky Mountain Region is proceeding ynth fuU energy. The work of the F. S. R. organizer, Nonnan H. Tallentire, is producing big results. Rock Springs, Cheyenne, and Hanna, Wyoming, have been added to the list of branches out in the West The general report from that district is that the people are hungry for information and news. The lack of speakers makes it impossible for the F. S. R, to cover the entire territory. Cleveland is showing renewed vitality and is figuring unong the top-notchers. Activities in Chicago do not diminish. Detroit and Chicago comrades seem to be an endless source of energy and invention. Probably the •tate of mind of the workers in that section of the ooontry is the reason for the excellent results being attained there. Edgar T. Whitehead, the well-known English journalist, who went to the Beriin International Conference of the Foreign Committee for Organizing Workers' Relief for the Starvmg in Soviet Russia, has been detained at Ellis Island. The government oflScials refuse to recognize his credential, which states explicitly that his mission in the United Slates is to organize relief for the starving Russians. Comrade Whitehead has just come from Sweden and Norway, where he did similar work. In view of the CTitical state of things in Soviet Russia at the present toe, with millions facing death, the detention of Comrade Whitehead is an outrage against which protest should be raised in every part of the country where there are sympa- thiMrs with the starving workers and peasants. The F. S. R. is taking up the matter with the Federal author- ities and it is hoped that Comrade Whitehead will be released on bail in a few days.* According to the report of Comrade Whitehead, the aitnation in Soviet Russia is as serious as described. He «talcs that, according to official figures, 50,000 people are dying daily, 1,000,000 have perished in 3 weeks. The famine is at its most acute stage and will remain so for the next two months. Help must be rushed within the next 6 or 8 weeks. As soon as spring arrives, and the «raiJi begins to sprout, the danger will diminish. •Aa w« CO to pz««, we leftni that Comrade Whitehead waa per- ■rittfld 19 eoter thia eoantrr en January 21, for aixty daya. The F. S. S. WM o<«ip«lUd to fomiah a tlOOO bond for him. **We Russian children thank the American children for having sent us warm clothing. I got a warm dress for which I thank you." "We Russian children thank the American children for having made us a present of vrarm things. I have got warm woolen stockings and gloves and thank you heartily for them." This is the spirit of gratitude that is being felt by Russian children for the aid that is being given them. Vitebsk Province has adopted the German Volga Com- mune for relief purposes. In November it sent 340 tons of grain, 100,000,000 rubles, and large quantities of other foodstuffs. Families are offering to take children from the famine areas and care for them till after the next harvest. Of the more than 200,000 in need of help in the Ufa Province, only 22,000 are being taken oare of in 320 homes. The Red Army has collected more than 500,000,000 rubles for relief. The Army has also organized homes for the care of children. The First Cavalry Army gave as its contribution the work of ploughing more than 27,000 acres of land and cultivating 150 kitchen gardens. They also established 150 forges; their transport section helped in carrying seed. The larger part of the food supplies sent by the F. S. R. on the S. S. Margus has been sent to Kazan, to the authorized representative of the Russian Red Cross. This will assure the work of the Medical Feeding Units of the Russian Red Cross for the period of two months. A smaller quantity was left in Petrograd for the Units forming there and in Moscow. Up to December 7, 49,750 tons had been received by Soviet Russia from foreign countries. Persia donated 833 tons of rice and grain, Bulgaria 500 tons, American work« ers 3,463 tons, Norway 2,133 tons, Turkey 5,333 tons. There have been additions to the list of centra] laboi bodies affiliated with the F. S. R., viz., Washington, D. C. Central Labor Union, Richmond Centra] Labor Union, and Mansfield, 0. Labor Union. The number of affiliations continues to grow, new branches and large bodies joining up. The United Mine Workers continue to send in assess- ments. From the Rocky Mountain region and the Central West, contributions are coming in daily. **I want to draw your attention to one who is a helper in the Great Northern shops here and has a large family. He contributed $5 and his two small boys who sell papers gave a dollar apiece. This is a good spirit and should be encouraged.** No question it should, and we hope that all boys and girls will follow this beautiful example of devotion to the cause of Soviet Russia. "Enclosed please find my check ($100) for my hundred children during the month. The Friends of Soviet Russia about here are few indeed. Some persons are giving in order to *save Russia and destroy Bolshevism*. Appeals of that sort are going out from New York City and Washington.** Of which there is no doubt. But the workers of this country are saving the Russian people to save Soviet Russia. The big items of the week are Toronto, Canada, $5,000, Lithuanian Section of the F. S. R., $2,700, Chicago, $4,000. New York, $1034, Cleveland $885, Detroit $800, San Fran- cisco $700, Philadelphia $750. Pittsburg $636, Milwaukee $345, Schenectady $350, Russian Dramatic Club, Boston $300, Women's Educational League, West New York, N. J. $300, Minneapolis $357, Seattle, $250, Portland, Ore. $150, Russian Babies Relief, Bronx, N. Y. $200, Rochester $200, United Mine Workers of America, Rock Springs, $2X7, Rozbury Lettish Club, Roxbury, Mass. $250. Digitized by Google 70 SOVIET RUSSIA February 1, 1922. ALAPAYEV ASBESTOS MINES On November 2, 1921, the Representatives of the Soviet Government — the Chairman of the Supreme Council of National Economy, P. A. Bogdanov, and the Acting People's Commissar of Foreign Afifairs, Litvinov, — on the one hand, and the representatives of the American Allied Drug and Chemical Company, on the other, — signed an agreement whereby a concession for the exploita- tion of the Alapayev asbestos mines was granted to the company for the period of twenty years. We already announced this concession (see Ekono- micheskaya Zhizn, No. 246). In this connection we wish to cite some comparative data on the condi- tion both of the entire asbestos district united un- der the management of the asbestos mills of the Ural region, and, particularly, the data concerning the equipment and technical appliances which in accordance with the grant are to be placed at the disposal of the American company. According to the report of the board of direct- ors of the asbestos region to the Chief Mining Division, the mining of asbestos did not begin in Russia until 1900, and prior to that the Russian industries were relying exclusively upon imported supplies. Thus, for instance, during the decade preceding 1900, Russia imported over 60,000 poods of asbestos, amounting to half a million rubles and 100,000 poods of asbestos products amounting to over a million rubles. In 1898 a Ural mine operator by the name of Korevo opened the first asbestos mine in the Bazhanov district, 35 versts to the north of the station Bazhanovo, on the Omsk railroad. During the first decade of the 20th century a further ex- ploration of the asbestos deposits was conducted very energetically in the same Bazhanovo district The following mines have been put into operation successively: the Poklevsky mine, the Zhirard, Yan-Yaka, the Mukhanov and Okunev mines. After 1909 the mining of asbestos began in the Alapayev, Nevyansk and Ostankin districts. All of the above named districts were united toward the end of 1919, following Kolchak's defeat, into one Asbestos Mining Region. The mining of asbestos ore in the Ural moun- tains is carried on in open ditches, chiefly by manu- al labor (without machinery). Only during the war when following the mobilization the scarcity of labor affected the mines of the Bazhanov district, the Zhirard mills began to introduce mechanical methods of mining asbestos, especially in the pro- duction of crude asbestos. Following the revolu- tion and the subsequent nationalization of the mines, the main task of the Management of the Mining Region was the introduction of rational and mechanical methods in the production of asbestos in all phases of the work. According to the opinion of specialists, the asbestos mines are satisfactorily equipped. The oldest and most pro- ductive region of Bazhanov is best equipped, par- ticularly the former Zhirard mills and the Poklev- INFORMATION ON THE FAMINE No one can be successful in his collections for Famine Relief unless be is in a position to tell bis friends what the actual conditions in Russia are. The issues of Soviet Russia for the last half of 1921, constituting Volume V of the set, are full of excellent material describing causes, remedies, dangers of epidemic, and appeals from various sources. Volume V may be had from this office at the price of three dollars (excellently bound in cloth), including title page and index. Remittanco in advance. SOMET RUSSIA 110 West 40th St., Room 304, New York, N. Y. sky mills. The Alapayev district began to be ex- ploited only recently and has been explored but very little. The comparative output of the districts, prior to the war, will be seen from the following figures: The Bazhanovo region during 1913 pro- duced 1,085,000 poods of crude asbestos, the Novy- ansky district — 60,000 poods, the Ostankinsky dis- trict — 20,000 poods, the Alapayevsky district — 8,000 poods. Thus, the Alapayev district yielded prior to the war only 5 per cent of the total output of our asbestos industry. The "trenches" where the asbestos is mined are distributed as follows among the four disrticts: 22 in the Bazhanov district, 1 in the Alapayev, 3 in the Ostankin district, and 3 in the Nevyansk district, making a total of 29. In the Bazhanov district there is a pasteboard factory (formerly owned by Goravsky) and a fac- tory of asbestos products (articles). There are 7 power stations in the entire mining district, with a combined power equal to 2,070 horse power. Of these only one 220 horse-po^wer station and one locomotive will be placed at the disposal of the American concessionn aires. They will also be given the use of three versts of railroad track out of the 30 versts of railroad now at the dis- posal of the Management of the Mining Region, for the purpose of transporting the waste material from the mines. Besides this, the American com- pany will be given the following articles of tech- nical equipment: 50 cars for the transportation of the mineral, 1 crane, 1 machine shop, 2 smithies, 1 carpenter's shop, 12 sets of millstones. All this comprises less than 10 per cent of the total tech- nical equipment of the mining region. Ekonomicheskaya Zhizn, Nov. 18, 1921. Soviet Russia now appears Twice a Month The next issue will be dated February 15th. PRICE, FIFTEEN CENTS, Among the features of the next issue are: 1. Storm Attack or Siege Tactics, a new speech by N. Lenin. 2. The Revolution abroad. Its Present Stage, by Leon Trotsky. 3. The Finnish Aggression in Karelia, Official Notes and General View. Digitized by yGoogle February 1, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 71 Books Reviewed IpKAXHft ABep^eHBo: ADsisa loxei b cmiHy pesomizHB. — ^Arkady! Averchenko: A Dozeu Knivea in the Back of the Revolution. A Book of Short Stories. Paris, 1921. This Tolume is from the pen of Arkadyi Averchenko, a White Guard writer whose malevolence has developed to such a point that it beclouds his intellect. It is interest- ing to note that an insane hatred, rising to the boiling- point, inspires all the most ingenious as well as the weakest passages in **A Dozen Knives in the Back of the Revolution**. Of course, whenever the author deals in his stories with subjects of which he is ignorant, the result is inartistic. For example, the story depicting the home life of Lenin and Trotsky, it is full enough of malice, but not at all true to life, dear Citizen Averchenko. I assure you both Lenin and Trotsky have many defects, but to write of them cleverly one must know them. And you do not know them. But the greater part of the book is devoted to subjects with which Arkadyi Averchenko is perfectly well acquaint- ed, through which he has himself lived, and thought, and felt. With positively inflammatory talent he depltcs the impressions and moods of the representatives of the old feudal and manufacturers* Russia, the Russia of those who are rich and sated and overfed. It is thus that the Revolution must appear in the minds of the once ruling classes. The fires of a burning hatred sometimes illumin- ate Averchenko*s stories to the point of open conflagration. And this is very often the cue. Particularly fine are such little things as **The Grass Trampled Under Boots", and other stories depicting the psychology of children who lived through and are still living through the Civil War. But the author rises to real heights of pathos only when he writes of eating. How the bourgeoisie ate in old Russia, how they dined in Petrograd — no, not in Petrograd, but in St. Petersburg — for fourteen and a half, or for ' fifteen rubles, that is what the author can write about with excruciating pain; for this he knows, this he has lived through and felt through; here he makes no mistake. His knowledge of the facts and his truthfulness here are really very exceptional. In the last story in the collection, ''So Many Broken Bits'*, there is an interesting picture, playing in the Crimea, in Sebastopol, of the former senator, **once rich, and fat, and well connected**, now in the artillery depot, "daily unloading and piling up shells**, and the former director of a great metal works, "once considered the big- gest on the Viborg side. Now he is a clerk in a com- mission store, who has recently even acquired a certain experience in the evaluation of second-hand ladies* cloaks and velvet Teddy bears for children, which are brought to the commission.** Both old fellows recall their former escapades in St. Petersburg, the streets, the theatres, the meals in the "•Bear**, in 'Tsena**, and in Mala Yaroslav Street, etc. And their reminiscences are frequently interrupted by such interjections as: "What did we do to them?** "Did we interfere with them?** "Who told them to but in here?" "Why have they treated Russia thus?** . . . Arkadyi Averchenko does not understand why. But the workers and peasants apparently understand without difficulty and without lengthy explanations. Some of these stories should be reprinted, in my opinion. Talent must be encouraged. N. Lenin. MARGUERITE HARRISON: Marooned in Moscow, New York: Geo. Doran Co., 1921. Cloth, 322 pages. Marooned in Moscow is a record of the experiences In Russia of Mrs. Marguerite Harrison, an American news- paperwoman who became interested in Russia while re- porting in Germany after the German Revolution, and who tells a» she made up her mind to go to Russia as a foreign correspondent and study conditions for herself. Mrs. Harrison applied to L. C. Martens of the Soviet Bureau in New York for permission to enter Russia. She was flatly refused and hit upon the plan of crossing the No Man*s Land between the Polish and Russian lines (Russia and Poland were then at war) and giving herself up to the first Red Army patrol that she met. With a little trickery this plan worked very well. Mrs. Harrison was not only very well treated by the Russians, but, as she was obliged to wait at the various stations on the way to Moscow for the necessary papers and conveyances, she had an admirable opportunity to observe the Red Army at work and at play. Her description of the intensive method by which illiterate Russian soldiers are taught to read in six months, their lessons being made as exciting to them as a game, is one of the most interesting paragraphs in the book. Upon her arrival in Moscow, Mrs. Harrison informed the Foreign Office of her exploit, and after an interview with Chicherin, was allowed to remain as a foreign cor- respondent. Mrs. Harrison admits having committed many imprudences besides consorting openly with persons hostile to the Soviet Government and therefore, she herself was not very much surprised wheil she was arrested, on April 4, 1920. The Poles, supported by France, had started another ofifensive and the political situation had become very tense. Mrs. Harrison was released by the authorities after 48 hours, however, upon making certain promises. She says that she neither would nor could keep these promises and consequently was again arrested. This time she was not released until July, 1921, when under the terms of the agreement made between the American Relief Administration and the Soviet Government, all American prisoners in Russia were set at liberty. However, during the eight months of liberty which Mrs. Harrison enjoyed in Russia, she saw and heard much and has made a very good story of it. Even the account of her life in prison is thoroughly interesting. In a chapter entitled "The Gods and their Machine*', Mrs. Harrison tells of public meetings which she visited, at one of which she heard Lenin speak. She testifies to the deep impression which Lenin makes by his simplicity and sincerity. She also heard Trotsky, and it seemed to her that in his erect bearing and flashing eyes, as they swept the audience, there was an element of racial pride, as if he were thinking, "I, the Jew, am the head of a great army.** We cannot prove that Trotsky did not think of this when he was speaking. Certainly Mrs. Harrison presents no evidence either way. In her chapter, "Bureaus and Bureau- crats**, Mrs. Harrison gives pen pictures of many of the most prominent Soviet officials, and in "A Modern Babel**, she describes "cosmopolitan Moscow** with its many visitors from other lands, many of whom, like Jacques Sadoul, have cast in their lot with the Russians for good. Mrs. Harrison also accompanied the British Labor Delegation on their trip down the Volga, that trip on which Bertrand Russell began to fear a "Communist Imperialism'* which would ultimately usurp British Imperialism. Mrs. Harrison had an interview with Alexandra Kollontai, who told her that the Soviet Government was not inclined to treat the woman question as a separate problem, but that women are encouraged to go to political meetings and work on an equal footing with the men. Mrs. Harrison says, "This is quite true — there is no feminism in Russia, there are no laws, disadvantages or disabilities operating against women.** Mrs. Harrison does not like the Soviet Government, but she has kept her opinions so much in the background that her book will give offense to none. On only one occasion does she show any heat, and that is when she speaks of Karl Marx*s picture, which she says appears all over to decorate meeting-halls. This picture irritated Mrs. Harrison very much. She finds too great discrepancy be- tween the benevolent countenance and the philosophy of brute force which Marx taught. Like her English col- league, H. G. WeUs, she is particularly annoyed by the Digitized by Google 72 SOVIET RUSSIA February 1, 1922. beard. There seems to be serious cause for eoncem in Karl Marx*8 beard. It is getting to be an obstacle to international good feeling. We could almost wish that there were some picture of Karl Marx extant in which he appears without the beard. But perhaps there is no such picture. Perhaps Marx felt instinctively that he would reveal himself in his true character if he shaved off his beard and therefore retained this mask all his life. Either Mrs. Harrison or Mr. Wells must tear it off. In an ** Afterword", Mrs. Harrison sums up her thoughts on Russia and finally asks: **What should be the policy of the United States toward Russia?" She answers: *•! believe that the only sane^ policy for the United States is one of full cooperation with the Soviet Government.** M. H. nPO^. B. H. CyiCA^B: dKcicypciifl na Top^Muoe 6oioto. Prof. V. N. Sukachev : An Excursion to a Peat-bog, Petersburg, Government Publication, I92I, paper, 36 pages, 3000 copies. This is the second of a series of publications of the **Excursion Library**, edited by Professor B. E. Ryekov. These **excnrsion8** are purely scientific, but in reading them one readily draws some very important practical con- clusions, especially applicable to Russia's industrial revival. This excellently printed book, replete with scientific in- formation, representing a full treatise on peat formation, makes one believe that Russia is not in the least suffering from any shortage of good quality paper. The contents of this book are no less satisfying than its general appearance. It contains a lengthy account of an excursion made by Professor Sukachev to the Suvolovsky peat-bog, in the Petrograd Gubemya (state). There are in Russia about 148,000 square miles occupied by peat- bogs and similar swamp land; in the Petrograd Gubemya alone there are 2640 square miles of such, and 16 per cent of the total Petrograd Gubemya area, or 422 square miles, consist of peat-bogs. Peat is the first stage in the trans- formation of vegetable matter into coal. When one considers these great quantities of peat as fuel, the scarcity of which is as colossal as the quantities of peat are large, the significance of its utilization and of the reclamation of these swamp lands becomes at once evident and obvious. While peat is formed to some extent in warm and even tropical regions, it is especially in temperate and cold homid countries like Russia that it is produced. Thus, where lakes abound, especially in humid regions, a con- stant deposit of weeds, mshes, bushes, etc., is made by the waters, slowly but steadily filling them np. In the water are growing various kinds of aquatic vegetation, pond-lilies, water-weeds, rashes, etc. When these die their leaves, •terns, and roots at the bottom form a black mud, composed of peat. As these masses of vegetation, and the deposits they leave behind them, advance lakeward, bushes and semi-aquatic plants, such as certain mosses, appear in the shallowing water and close to the shore and add their quota to the peat deposits below. Eventually there comes a time when the peat formation reaches to the top, or nearly so, the basin is filled with the soft black mud which produces the final stage of the peat, the lake is obliterated and a **bog** formed in its place. The above estimated square mileage of swamps, bogs, and inundated land, in the present condition, although valuable in places for the timber it contains and the peat ntilizable as fuel, is useless for agriculture. By the use of suitably placed canals and ditches, a very large (per- haps the greater) part of this land can be drained and rendered available for cultivation. With the comin.<; in- dustrial development of Russia and the denser settlement of the country, will come a consequent greater demand for land, and ivith the initiation of reclamation projects in these inundated areas we may expect to s^ in the future a constantly increasing use of swamp lands. In spite of the great difficulties of living in Russia in these turbulent times, one cannot but admire the thorough- ness with which Russian scientists do their work. J. R. M. New Literature "THE FAMINE IN PICTURES AND APPEALS" A 32-page pamphlet on Russia and the famine. Order a quantity to sell to your friends. 25c per copy Proceeds for Famine Relief. "THE FAMINE IN RUSSIA AND CAPITALISM ABROAD' A 32-page pamphlet telling about the Russian famine and the reaction to it by capitalist govemmenta. Order a quantity for sale. 15c per copy Proceeds for famine relief. *'AN AMERICAN REPORT ON THE RUSSIAN FAMINE'' A 48-page pamphlet By CAPT. PAXTON HIBBEN who was Secretary of the American Embassy in Petrograd and member of the Near East Commission and has studied conditions in the famine district of Soviet Russia as perhaps no other man has. 15c per copy Proceeds for Famine Relief. Famine Relief Edition *'TEN DAYS THAT SHOOK THE WORLD" By JOHN REED A graphic account of the first ten days of the rervoltt- tion in Russia — ten days that made die world ait «p and wonder. $1.00 per copy Net Proceeds for Famine Relief. Special Famine Edition "THROUGH THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION" By ALBERT RHYS WILUAMS $2.00 per copy Net Proceeds for Famine Relief. FAMINE PICTURE POSTALS Use them to "bring home" the Famine t* yovr acquaintancea. A Set of 16 for 25c. **SOVIET RUSSIA" The magazine of information and original docnmenta. Now the official periodical of the Friends of Soviet Russia. Subscribe and secure first hand information. $2.50 per year $1.25 for six months Don't Delay! Help To-day! National Office of THE FRIENDS OF SOVIET RUSSIA 201 W. 13th St, New York City. Digitized by Google v\ .V.^lh# *k A AWi^ SOVIET RUSSIA Semi-Monthly Ofl&cial Organ of the Friends of Soviet Russia Fifteen Cents February 15, 1922 Vol. VI, No. 3 1 u-.^ j>;*tt! .H£tiL jt^ t.i UA Re^member the Starving TABLE OF CONTENTS Page Editorials The Chanced World Situation, by Leon Trotsky 74 The Berlin Relief Conference, by Edgar T, Whitehead 77 Vladimir Korolenko, by Rosa Luxemburg 79 Last Summer's Anti-Soviet Plot 81 Petrocrad Figures 86 How THE Soviet Government Works (III- The Council of Labor and Defence ) 90 Finnish Aggression Against Karelia 93 National Office Notes 96 Books Reviewed 98 Money Contributions January 1-31, 1922 101 Tvicc a Month at 110 West 40(h St., New York. Edited and Pub!ii;hcd by Jacob Wittnier Hartmann. Subacription Rate: $2.50 pe.r annua Eatered at aecond claaa matter January 29, 1921, at the Poat Ofiicc at New York. N. Y., under the Act of March 3. 1879. Digitized by Google 7* SOVIET RUSSIA February 15, 1922. The Changed World Situation By Leon Trotsky ("Die Neue Etappe** is the title of the German translation of a pamphlet recently written by the People's Commissar for War, on the subject of the alterations that have taken place in the situation of the various capitalist countries since the Russian Revolution. Properly translated into English, this title would read **The New Stage*\ but we shall translate the essential portion of the volume in five instalments under the title that appears above. The preface of the book is daUd at Moscow, August 19, 1921.) yV FTER the imperialist war we enter the revo- lutionary period, i. e., the period in which the foundations of capitalist society are already undermined and collapsing. The equilibrium of capitalism is a very complicated phenomenon: cap- italism creates this equilibrium, disturbs it, re- stores it, redisturbs it, simultaneously and constant- ly extending its own domination. In the economic field these continual disturbances and restorations lake the form of crises and waves of prosperity. In the relation between the classes, the disturbances of equilibrium assume the form of strikes, lockouts, revolutionary conflicts, etc. In the relations be- tween nations the disturbances of equilibrium are: war, or, in an attenuated form, economic customs tariff war or blockade. Capitalism therefore has a rather mobile balance, which is constantly in process of disturbance or restoration. But this equilibrium has a remarkable power of resistance; the best proof of this is in the fact that the cap- italist world has not yet collapsed. The last imperialist war was an event rightly judged by us as a monstrous, hitherto unparalleled blow dealt to the equilibrium of the capitalist v;orld. Indeed, the period of the greatest mass movements and revolutionary struggles grew out of the war. Russia, the weakest link in the capitalist chain, was the first to loose its bonds, and in March, 1917, entered the path of revolution. Our March Revolution found a strong echo among the working masses of England. The year 1917 for England was the year of great strikes, in the course of which the English proletariat succeeded in halting the process, produced by the war, of deterioration in the conditions of life of the work- ing masses. In November, 1917, the working masses of Russia seized power. The great strike wave spreads over the whole capitalist world beginning with the neutral countries. In the autumn of 1918 Japan has a great series of "rice riots", which in certain districts involve as much as 25 per cent of the population and call forth severe repression on the part of the Mikado's Government In January, 1918, there are mass strikes in Germany, and after the collapse of German militarism a revolution takes place in Germany and Austria- Hungary. The revolutionary movement extends. There begins the most critical year for capitalism, at least JFor European capitalism — the year 1919. In March, 1919, the Soviet Republic of Hungary is established. In January and March, 1919, great struggles are waged by the revolutionary workers against the bourgeois Republic. In France the atmosphere becomes very tense at the time of demobilization, but victory and the hope to enjoy its golden fruits still encourage too many illusions; the struggle here has by no means the spirit that it has in the conquered countries. In the United States, toward the end of 1919, strikes assume gigantic proportions and embrace the railroad workers, miners, and metal workers. The Wilson Government starts its mad persecutions of the working class. In the Spring of 1920 the attempt at a counter-revolutionary coup d'etat in Germany, the Kapp Putch, mobilized the working class and threw it into battle. The intensive but disorderly commotion of the German workers is again ruth- lessly put down by the Ebert Republic which they had rescued. In France the political situation reached its culmination in May, 1920, at the time of the proclamation of the general strike, which turned out to be by no means so general, which was badly prepared and betrayed by the opportun- ist leaders, who did not desire a strike but dared not confess this. In August, the advance of the Red Army on Warsaw — which was also a portion of the international revolutionary struggle — ^met with failure. In September, the Italian workers, who had taken seriously the grandiloquent revolu- tionary agitation conducted by the Socialist Party, took possession of the factories but, shamefully betrayed by the Party, they suffered reverses all along the line, and subsequently were subjected to the most brutal counter-offensive of united reac- tion. In December, 1920, a revolutionary mass strike spreads over Czecho-Slovakia. Finally, in the year 1921, revolutionary struggles develop in Central Germany, with immense numerical sac- rifices, and in England the tenacious miners' strike flares up, which has not yet come to any conclu- sion. When, in the early post-war period, we looked upon the developing revolutionary movement, many of us — even those who were equipped with suffi- cient historical observation — felt convinced that this movement, rising more and more, must un- questionably end in a seizure of power by the working class. But already almost three years have passed since the war. Throughout the world, outside of Russia, the power has remained in the hands of the bourgeoisie. During this time the capitalist world of course was not unchanged. It _ Digitized by Google February 15, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 75 was moving all the time. Europe and the rest of the world were passing through a period that was extremely hard and dangerous for the bourgeoisie, namely, the period of demobilization atfer the war, demobilization of persons and things, demobiliza- tion of industry, the period of insane commercial expansion after the war, and then, the crisis that has not yet ended. And now we are faced with the great question: Is the course of events still moving in the direction of revolution, or shall we assume that capitalism has disposed of the diffi- culties arising from the war and restored capitalist equilibrium on the new pot- war basis, or is at least approaching a solution of this rehabilitation? The Bourgeoisie Become Reassured Considering this question from a purely political standpoint, before proceeding to the economic basis, we must note that a number of symptoms, facts, and documents, tend to show that the bourgeoisie as a governing class has become more and more powerful, or at least feels that it is more powerful. In 1919, the European bourgeoisie was in a state of complete mental disturbance. It was the time of a panic fear of Bolshevism, which was pictured as a vague but all the more terrible form, repre- sented in posters at Paris as a man with a knife in his teeth, etc., etc. As a matter of fact, this apparition of the bolshevik and his knife was the manner in which the European bourgeoisie em- bodied its terror at its own crimes during the war period. At any rate, they knew how little the results of the war were fulfilling the promises they had given. They knew precisely the extent of sacrifice in blood and goods. They feared retribu- tion. The year 1919 was decidedly the most critical year for the bourgeoisie. In the years 1920- 1921 you may gradually note the increase of their self-confidence, and no doubt also the strengthening of their national apparatus, which immediately after the war in several countries — such as Italy, for example — had almost completely gone to pieces. The regained assurance of the bourgeoisie assumed particularly crass forms in Italy after the cowardly betrayal by the Socialist Party in September, 1920. The bourgeoisie believed that it was dealing with wicked murderers and robbers; now they were convinced that they were dealing with cowards. As I have been unable to do any active work in the last few weeks, owing to illness, I have been able to read a large number of foreign newspapers. I have collected a whole brief-case of clippings indicative of the shift in the mood of the bourgeoisie and its adaptation to the new political situation. All testimony points to the one inference: the self-assurance of the bourgeoisie is at this moment decidedly stronger than it was in 1919 or even in 1920. There are very interest- ing communications in such a purely objective, though capitalistic, paper as the Neue Ziiricher Zeitung (in Zurich, Switzerland), on the political situation in France, Germany, and Italy. As Switz- erland is dependent on these countries, it is much interested in their internal situation. This news- paper, for instance, has the following to say con- cerning the March events (1921) in Germany: **The Germany of 1921 is entirely different from that of 1918. National feeling has everywhere been strengthened so much that the methods of the Conmiunists now encounter reistance in all social strata, although the power of the Communists, who in the days of the Revolution were but a small handful of determined men, have since increased more than tenfold.'* In April the same newspaper, speaking of the elections to the Italian Parliament, discusses the internal situation of Italy as follows: "In 1919: the Bourgeoisie had lost its head, Bolshe- vism advancing as a solid wall. In 1921: Bolshe- vism defeated and dispersed; the Bourgeoisie now a solid wall." The leading French newspaper, Le TempSy on May 1, 1921, wrote that not a trace remained of those fears of a revolutionary over- throw which had filled the atmosphere of Franco in May, 1920. There is absolutely no doubt therefore that the self-assurance of the bourgeoisie has gone up, nor can we doubt that the police and the governing apparatus has been strengthened since the war. But this fact, important though it may be, by no means disposes finally of the quetion, and our enemies are doubtless hasty in immediately assum- ing that our program has gone to pieces. To be sure, we hoped that the bourgeoisie would collapse in 1919. But of course we could not be certain of it, and of course our plan of action was not based on this consummation. If the theoreticians of the Second and Second-and-a-half International say that we suffered shipwreck in our previsions, you would think they were speaking of a prediction of the meteorological type; as if we had made a mistake in our mathematical calculations, as if we had said that an eclipse of the sun would occur on such and such day, and had been shown up as poor astronomers. But the fact of the matter is quite different. We did not predict an eclipse of the sun, i. e., an event entirely outside the domain of our will, and independent of our actions. We were dealing with an historical event to be wrought by our active intervention. If we spoke of revo- lution as a consequence of the world war, this meant that we were at an effort — and still arc — to make use of the consequences of the world war for the greatest possible acceleration of revolution. If revolution has not been achieved to the present day all over the world, or even in Europe, this by no means signifies the "bankruptcy of the Communist International," for its program is not based on astronomical data. Any Communist will understand this, if he is at all clear in his position. But if the revolution has not followed close upon the flaming heels of the war, it is perfectly clear that the bourgeoisie has made full use of the breathing spell afforded it, to overcome the most frightful and terrifying consequences of the war, to eliminate, or at least to conceal them, etc., eir Digitized by Google 76 SOVIET RUSSIA February 15, 1922. Have they really succeeded in doing this? They certainly have in part. To what extent? This question of the extent of capitalistic restoration is the next that we shall take up. Wtat is the meaning of the capitalistic equilib- rium of which international Menshevism is now speaking with such cocksureness? This question of equilibrium is not analyzed by the Social- Democrats, not traced, not precisely outlined. The equilibrium of capitalism includes very many factors, phenomena, and data, of primary, second- ary, and tertiary importance. Capitalism is a way of viewing the world. It has embraced the whole earth, which became particularly clear during the war and the blockade, when one country was pro- ducing in abundance for no markets, while another coutnry, hungry for goods, could not get them. To-day still this mutual dependence of the shat- tered war market is everywhere and always ap- parent. Capitalism in the stage it had reached before the war was based on international division of labor and international exchange of commo- dities. America must produce a certain qunatity of grain for Europe. France must produce a cer- tain number of articles of luxury for America. Germany must produce a certain number of cheap commodities for France. This division of labor is not a permanent institution, is not fixed for all time. It arises in historic times, is constantly disturbed by crises and competition — if not by tariff wars — is again restored and again disturbed. But in general, world economy is based upon the fact that the production of necessary goods is more or less disturbed between the various coun- tries. And this distribution of labor throughout the world has been radically disturbed by the war. Has it been restored or not? In each country agriculture works for industry, providing articles for personal consumption to the workers as well as raw materials for industry, while industry produces personal utensils and materials necessary for agricultural production. This again gives rise to certain mutual transactions. Finally, within industry itself, a creation of tools of production, as well as a manufacture of per- sonal utensils, is going on, between which there is a certain mutual relation, constantly subject to disturbance and reestablishment. All these mutual relations and conditions were radically disturbed by the war, if only by the fact that European industry during the war, as well as the industry of America and Japan, to a considerable extent, was producing personal utensils and production tools in smaller quantities than instruments of de- struction. But so far as necessary instruments were being produced, they were being produced less for productive workers than for the destructive soldiers of the imperialist armies. And this dis- location of the reciprocal relations between city and country, between the various branches of in- dustry itself, in the various countries, — ^has this dislocation been eliminated? Furthermore, there is class equilibrium, based on industrial equilibrium. In the pre-war period there was an armed truce not only in international relations, but also between the bourgeoisie and the proletariat, an armed peace buttressed by a sys- tem of collective tariflf agreements, concluded by extremely centralized trusts and the increasingly centralized industrial capital. This balance was also completely upset by the war, which led to the tremendous strike movement all over the world. Has the relative class equilibrium of bourgeois society, without which no production is possible, been restored or not? And on what basis? The class equilibrium is closely associated with the political equilibrium. The bourgeoisie during the war, even before the war — although we paid no attention to it then — kept its mechanism going with the aid of the social democrats, the social patriots, who were their most important agents and who held down the workers within the frame- work of the bourgeois equilibrium. Only in tliis way were the bourgeoisie enabled to carry on the war. Has the bourgeoisie now restored the balance of its political system, and to what extent have the social democrats retained or lost their influence on the masses and their ability to continue func- tioning as protectors of the bourgeoisie? There is also the question of equilibrium between nations, i. e., of the "living together" of capitalistic states, without which a restoration of capitalist economy is impossible. Has the balance been restored in this field or not? All these phases of the question must be dis- cussed before we can decide whether the world situation remains a revolutionary one, or whether we must admit that they are right who say that our revolutionary expectations were Utopian. The investigation of all these phases of the question will require illustration by many facts and data. I shall attempt to adduce the most important of these in my discussion of the question. Has a new international division of labor been achieved? In this matter, the transfer of ,the center of gravity of capitalistic economy and bourgeois power from Europe to America is a decisive fact. It is a fact so fundamental that everyone of us must be definitely and clearly mindful of it, in order to grasp the meaning of the events taking place before our eyes now and in the next few years. Before the war Europe was the capitalist center of the world. Europe was the main salesroom of the world, its main factory, and, above all, its main bank. The European industrial magnate — particularly the English, and also, in the second place, the German; the European merchant — par- ticularly the English; the European usurer — par- ticularly the English and, in the second place, the French — these were actually the moulders of economic destiny and consequently of the politics of the entire world. That is no longer the case. Europe has been dethroned. {To be continued in Next Issue) Digitized by Google^ February 15, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 77 The Berlin Relief Conference By Edgar T. Whitehead {Delegate from the Central Committee of the Workers' International Famine Relief Committee to the U. S. A,) ' 'PHE Russian Famine of the winter of 1921-1922 will stand apart from all previous famines in history in that for the first time wide masses of the workers of all countries threw themselves into the task of grappling with a natural catastrophe of this magnitude and character. ^ From the early August days onwards, from the time when the immediate incidence of Famine in the Volga Valley became certain, workers' and humanitarian organizations in all countries became feverishly active in their eflforts to stem the col- ossal threateni]^ death-roll. It had been the wish of the Famine-fighting authorities in Russia from the first that eflforts of all workers' organizations of whatever political shade or opinion should be centralized and co- ordinated through the medium of a central or- ganization, which would devote itself to the alsk of organizing and distributing material aid to the Famine sufferers independent of any political opinions. This organization, termed the Workers' International Famine Relief Committee, had since September carried on a great action for Famine Relief through workers' industrial and political organizations in practically every civilized coun- try, and n order still further to unify and stimulate the whole Famine Relief action, united with the Delegation of the Russian Red Cross in calling an International Conference to which were invited all known organizations active in Russian Famine Relief. The infamous conferences of Geneva and Brus- sels, at which the representatives of the Govern- merits of the various capitalist countries had re- fused all adequate aid to the starving and perish- ing millions on the Volga, had its counterblast in this Berlin convention, to which the workers and peoples sent their delegates. The conference took place in the City Hall of Berlin on Sunday, December 4, 1921. Organizations Present at the Conference With the exception of the Hoover Commission prac^cally every known organization active in Russian Famine Relief Work was reptesented. These included: The Nansen Reief Work The International Red Cross The International Save the Childreh Fund The Quaker Organizations ^ The International Federation of Trade Unions The Vienna International The Workers' International Famine Relief Committee (Central Conmiittee and thirteen nation- al sections), together with a great number of smaller organ- izations such as Clarte (France), Hands OS" Russia Movement (England), Relief Union for the Rus- sian Peoples (France), Dutch United Famine Re- lief Committee, Relief Union for the Volga Ger- mans, Unions of Artists' Relief for the Russian Famine, etc., etc. One hundred and fifty delegates and guests were present. The conference elected a Presidium consisting of Grassmann (Amsterdam International), Coates (Hands Off Russia Movement) Madeleine Marx (Clarte), Vigdor Kopp (Russian Red Cross), and Clara Zetkin (Workers' International Famine Re- lief Committee). Comrade Zetkin acted as Chair- man for. the Conference. The Conference was greeted in the name of the Russian Soviet Republic by Comrade Krestinsky (Chief of the Russian Soviet Relegation at Berlin), and then followed a full report on the actual situ- ation by Comrade Victor Kopp, Chief of the Rus- sian Red Cross delegation at Berlin. Report of the Russian Red Cross. The main points of this report were: The Famine covered thirteen great States of the Rus- sian Soviet Republic, comprising an ear roughly 800 miles long and 300-500 miles broad. Fifteen millions of children were starving and would per- ish unless speedy help reached them, and more- over throughout the whole region were large num- bers of deserted and destitute children abandoned by their frantic parents, famishing children who try to appease the pangs of hunger by gnawing roots, and eating clay and all sorts of refuse. Kopp further reported that all help combined, up to the present, had succeeded in providing rations for but two million children, and that thirteen million children were completely unprovided for. Help must also be brought to the masses of starving adults if the whole of the working and peasant tegions was not to perish utterly and the whole Volga Valley become a desolate waste. Kopp particularly emphasized that the work of the various Red Cross expeditions who were active in fighting hunger typhus and other plagues and diseases was being to a large extent nullified in that those who were being rescued from death by disease were subsequently succumbing from sheer starvation. The Conference should not limit itself only to the task of providing immediate relief for the starving millions, but it should also consider the urgent need for seed for the spring sowing and the whole question of building up anew the shat- tered economic life of the aflfected regions. Following upon the report of Victor Kopp, the Digitized by Google 78 SOVIET RUSSIA February 15, 1922. representatives of the various organizations pres- ent outlined the work they were each doing and hoped to do in the famine areas. The sensation of the conference however was the arrival of Albert Coterill at the afternoon confer- ence. Coterill, an Englishman, and a representa- tive for the Quakers in the famine areas, had just arrived by train straight from the famine regions; he entered the conference hall clad in his traveling furs, after spending nearly three months in investigation and actual relief work. Report of an Eye Witness from the Fa/nine Areas Coterill's report was to the efifect that it was impossible to overstate the desperate character of the calamity that had befallen the Russian people. **A11 the reports you have received about the Famine," he said, ^^cannot present the position as it actually is. It is indescribable. Literally speak- ing, the people are dying like flies.'* In one village that he investigated, people were dying at the rate of eight to ten each day out of a population of four hundred, while in many villages in the uyezd of Buzuluk (to which district he was assigned by his organization) no food of any description was available at the time of his investigation, even the domestic animals having been consumed. In one area he had in mind, having a normal population last August of 9000 inhabitants, people were dying at the rate of fifty per day. By the end of this month, said Mr. Coterill, according to the offi- cially registered deaths, the population of this district will be depleted by one half. The coun- try areas, where 90 per cent of the population live, were in a far worse condition than the towns, dying by hundreds. It was a common thing to see dead bodies lying in the streets, and one could not walk any distance without passing many such gruesome sights. People would fall and die in the markets. The bodies of scores -of men, women, and children, without a shred of clothing, were piled indiscriminately in the cemeteries, awaiting burial in large pits already overfull with earlier victims. The corpses were scarcely more than skeletons with skin stretched over them, but their faces showed the agony they had undergone before death released them. One large receiving home for children which Mr. Coterill visited had some 700 inmates. There was scarcely anything for them to eat and it was the regular duty of the attendants to go around once a day and pick out the dead from the living. The wailing or the dull stare of the little ones cannot be pictured, and their condition because of the lack of soap or clothing is too terrible to describe. At one great children's centre in the district of Pavlovka, typhus, typhoid, malaria, etc., were be- ing nursed in the same rooms and there were at least two little patients in each bed, in one case five. Mr. Coterill paid a special tribute to the heroism and devotion of the Soviet officials and authorities in the famine areas. They were sharing the hard- ships equally with the common people and were dying at their posts. In the town of Buzuluk itself the Vice-President of the Famine Committee had died of typhus whilst he was there, and the chief representative of the Health Ministry for the dis- trict was now lying on his death-bed from ill nourishment and typhus. Everywhere the Soviet officials stick to their posts, labor on till they can do no more, then sicken and die. It is beyond their power to do more than they do. It is beyond their power to save thousands and millions of the sufiferers. Coterill concluded by expressing the opinion that the country was a rich and fertile one, and but for this catastrophe caused by the unpre- cedented drought, would be one of the richest areas. He was convinced that the country could and would pay back, and more, all help now ad- vanced to it, and he advised the granting of im- mediate credits. He mentioned that the Quakers' organizations proposed to create their own loan for this purpose. It is absolutely necessary, he said, that we should recognize our duty to the Famine area, our duty as human beings, and not ourselves alone, but that we should awaken the consciences of all people in all lands, if the mil- lions of human beings in the Volga Valley wer« to be saved from inevitable death. Decisions of the Conference The concluding session of the Conference was taken up with practical proposals to meet the situation. The Presidium of the Conference was entrusted by unanimous vote of all the delegates to draw up a suitable manifesto to be issued broadcast, urging not only the immediate appropriation of funds for the starving workers and peasants in the Famine areas, and the removal of all obstacles to the resumption of economic and commercial in- tercourse with Russia, but especially to urge the granting and extension of long term credits to the Soviet Government to enable the necessary grain and other articles to be brought to the aid of the Famine victims. Throughout the whole of this Conference, at which there were gathered delegates from orga- nizations representing practically all shades of po- litical and religious opinion, there was no con- flicting or dissenting voice, and it was in that sense that the Conference issued its appeal to the peoples of the world, — immediate relief for the starving millions, free from all political considerations or conditions. KURT EISNER once wrote an article on Dostoyevsky, a trans- lation of which will be one of the features of Soviet Russia for March 1. Digitized by Google February 15, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 79 Vladimir Korolenko (Born at Zhitomir, July 15/27, 1853— Died at Poltava, December 25, 1921.) By Rosa Luxemburg (This is the first of several articles on Russian writers. One of the later contributions will be an essay by A. V. Lunacharsky, on the poet Nekrassov.) TTOROLENKO is an out and out poetic nature. About his cradle hover dense mists of super- stition, not the corrupt superstition of modem met- ropolitan decadence, such as is expressed in the great capitals in the forms of spiritualism, fortune- telling, and faith-healing, but the naive superstition of folk legend, which is as pure and redolent of the soil as the unbridled winds of the Ukrainian steppes and the millions of wild berries, poppies, and cornflowers which flourish there in the tall grass. In the awesome atmosphere of the servant's hall and nursery, in Korolenko's paternal home, you distinctly feel that his cradle stood in close proximity to the magic land of Gogol, with its earth-spirits, its witches, and its pagan Christmas spell. At the age of seventeen, having lost his father, and being entirely dependent on his own efforts, he goes to Petersburg to plunge into the whirl of university life and political ferment. After three years of study at the Technical University, he en- ters the Agricultural Academy of Moscow. But two years later his plans for a career are frus- trated, as in the case of many others of his genera- tion, by "higher forces". Korolenko is arrested for participation in and advocacy of a student demonstration, is dismissed from the Academy and banished to the Province of Vologda in the North- em part of European Russia, and later permitted to domicile himself under police surveillance at Kronstadt. Some years later he returns to Petersburg to plan for a new career, and learns the trade of a shoemaker, in order to be able, as was his ideal, to come closer to the working layers of the popu- lation, and simultaneously to make his own train- iz^ as versatile as possible. B t in 1879 he is again arrested and banished to a region lying further to the Northeast than his original place of banishment, namely, to the Province of Vyatka, where he is assigned to a remote little village. Korolenko adapts himself cheerfully to this situ- ation. He makes every effort to fit in with the new conditions of banishment and diligently pur- sues his new trade, partly with the object of mak- ing his livelihood thereby. But he was not to have peace for long. Suddenly he was transferred to Western Siberia without any visible reason, thence again to Perm, and from Perm to the extreme Far East of Siberia. But here again he was not to cease his wander- ings. In 1881, after the attempt on the life of Alexander II, the new Tsar Alexander III mounted the throne. Korolenko, who meanwhile had be- come a railway employee, took the oath of alle- giance together with the remainder of the railway force. But this was not considered to be suffici- ent in his case. He was asked to swear allegiance also as a private individual, as "a political exile**, Korolenko — together with all the other exiles — declined this suggestion and was rewarded by ban- ishment to the icy waste of the Yakutsk region. For four years Korolenko, because of his refusal to take the oath, was obl^ed to live in a wretched settlement of half-savage nomads on the shores of the Aldan, a tributary of the Lena, in the midst of the primitive Siberian forests, in winter tempe- ratures of 40 to 45 degrees below zero. But all the tribulations, the loneliness, the gloomy scene of the Taiga, the wretched surroundings, the remote- ness from the civilized world, could not make any impression on Korolenko's mental elasticity and sunny disposition. He participates eagerly in the wretched existence of the Yakuts, tills his farm, mows hay and milks cows, devoting his win- ters to the turning out of shoes and icons. Koro- lenko later describes this period of being "buried alive", which is the term George Kennan uses of the life of the exiles in Yakutsk, when he writes, without complaint, without bitterness, even with humor, his impressions and sketches, in the most delicate poetic manner. His poetic talent, how- ever, was meanwhile maturing and he was gath- ering a rich harvest of impressions of nature and human psychology. In 1885, having finally returned from a ban- ishment which had lasted, with short interruptions, for almost ten years, Korolenko published a short story which at once ranked him with the masters of Russian literature: Makar's Dream. In the leaden atmosphere of the '80s this first ripe fruit pf his young talent ha4 the effect of the first song of the lark on a grey day in February, In rapid succession now followed further sketches and sto- ries: The Journal of a Siberian Tourist, The Rustling Forest, In Pursuit of the Sacred Image, In the Night, Yom Kipur, the Foaming River. All are characterized by the same fundamental quality of Korolenko's creations: magic depictions of landscapes and moods, brisk and amiable natural- ness, and a warm interest for the "debased and dis- inherited". But this strong social note in Korolenko's writ- ings has nothing about it that is didactic, contro- versial, apostolic, as is the case in Tolstoy. It is simply a portion of his love of life, of his gentle nature, his sunny temperament. With all the breadth and generosity of his views, with all hh Digitized by Google 80 SOVIET RUSSIA February 15, 1922. distaste for chauvinism, Korolenko is nevertheless a Russian poet through and through, perhaps the most national of the great prose writers of Rus- sian literature. He not only loves his country, he is positively in love with Russia as a young lover, in love with its natural scenes, with the intimate charms of every region of the gigantic empire, with every sleepy little river, and every quiet forest- circled valley, in love with the plain people, its types, its naive religiosity, its native humor, and its brooding introspection. Korolenko and Gorky represent not only two different poetic individualities, but also two gen- erations of Russian literature and of the ideology of liberty. For Korolenko the peasant is still the central point of interest; for Gorky, the enthusiastic devotee of German scientific socialism, it is the city proletarian and his shadow, the slum prole- tarian. While in Korolenko the landscape is the natural frame of the story, in Gorky's works it is the workshop, the cellar den, the underground lodging house. The fundamentally differ- ent course of their lives af- fords a key to the personality of the two artists. Korolenko, who grew up in comfortably bourgeois surroundings, had in early childhood a normal appreciation of the immut- ability, the stability of the world and the objects in it, such as is peculiar ot all chil- dren of happiness. Gorky, whose roots are partly in the petty bourgeoisie and partly in the slum proletariat, nursed in a Dostoyevskian atmo- sphere of brooding horrors, of criminals and elementaJ outbursts of human passions, already as a child beat about him like a hunted wolfling and gnashed his sharp teeth at fate. His childhood, full of hardships, humiliations, oppressions, of the sense of insecurity, of being thrown hither and thither, in close proximity to the dregs of society, embraces all the typical traits in the lot of the modern proletarian. And only he who has read Gorky's reminiscences* can fully grasp his ascent from the social depth to the high noon of modern culture, of sublime art, and a scientifically grounded view of the world. In this respect also Gorky's personal experiences are symbolical for •Maxim Gorky, My Childhood and Among Strangers. the entire Russian proletariat as a class, which out of the coarse and crude barbarism of Tsarism, through the hard school of struggle, worked its way up in the astonishingly short time of two decades to the position of being able to function as an historical force. This is certainly an in- comprehensible phenomenon for all those cultu- ral philistines who consider a proper illumination of the streets, a punctual railway service and clean collars to be the sum total of civilization, not to mention the diligent operation of the Parliamen- tary treadmills. The pervading magic of Korolenko's poetry constitutes at the same time its limitation. Koro- Vladimir Korolenko lenko is entirely rooted in the present, in the mo- ment of the experience, in the sensual impression. His stories are as a cluster of freshly plucked wild flowers; time will not be favorable to their merry colors, their precious fragrance. The Russia that Korolenko pictures no longer exists, it is the Rus- sia of yesterday. The delicate, poetic, dreamy mood that hovers over his country and its peo- ples, is a thing of the past. In fact, it ceased a decade or two ago in the tragic or stormy mood of Gorky and his group, the shrill storm-petrels of the revolution. Even in Korolenko himself Digitized by Google February 15, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 81 this mood was obliged to yield to that of battle. In him as in Tolstoy, the social champion, the great citizen, came out victorious in the end over the poet and dreamer. When Tolstoy, in the 'SOs, began to preach through little popular stories, — Turgenyev, in an imploring letter addressed to the sage of Yasnaya Polyana, begged him in the name of the fatherland to return to the fields of pure art. Korolenko's friends also mourned his frag- rant poetry when he plunged with consuming zeal into journalism. But the spirit of Russian liter- ature, the high sense of social responsibility* turned out to be stronger in this God-favored poet even than his love for nature, his wanderlust, his poetic creation. Swept away by the wave of the approaching revolutionary flood, his poetry dies down toward the end of the '90s and his blade thenceforth flashes only as the harbinger of lib- erty, as a spiritual center for the oppositional ten- dencies of the Russian intelligentsia. Last Summer's Anti-Soviet Plot (The following account of the conspiracies conducted against Soviet Russia by the Savinkov brothers in Poland and elsewhere will go far to explain the reasons for the long notes addressed by Chicherin to the Polish Government during the summer of 1921, a number of which have been printed in recent issues of Soviet Russia. This account is abridged from the version in which it recently appeared in the Moscow **Pravda.) The Petrograd Plot T N the beginning of June last year, the Petrograd Extraordinary Commission discovered and destroyed a great plot, by which a military revolt was being prepared against the Soviet Power in Petrograd, in the north and north-west provinces of the Republic. Hundreds of members of military terrorist organizations were arrested. The head- quarters of the organization were discovered, and a secret printing works, dynamite, arms, and also incriminating documents were found. From the statements of the arrested, the follow- ing has been ascertained: **That the organization was called the "District Committee of the Union for the Liberation of Rus- sia', and was connected with a number of Societies like The Fighting Committee', The National Re- bellion Committee', The Petrograd National Fight- ing Society', The United Society', etc. *The members of the District Committee are known." Leaders of the Plot (1) At the head of the organization wa? Tagantzev, professor of the Geographical Institute. He is the person who was compromised in the plot of November, 1919, in Petrograd, which was organized by the British spy, Paul Dukes. (2) Orlovsky, who was the leader of the terror- ist section of the party. The organization which has been uncovered was in constant touch, through their own couriers, with the Finnish, American, English and French Intelligence Departments in Finland. Many mem- bers of this Society were also in the service of the various Intelligence Departments. Finnish: Orlovsky and Paskov. English: Wilken and Sokolov. French: Herman. American: Nikolsky, Raben, Stark. A leading member of the organization called U. P. Herman was at the same time in the service of the Finnish and French Intelligence Depart- ments. All these Intelligence Departments were recruit- ing members for the organizations, with the help of Petrichenko, former President of the Kronstadt Revolution Committee. The members were recruit- ed from amongst the sailors who escaped from Kronstadt and are kept in the fortress of Ino, Finland. On joining they were sent on to Petro- grad, where they became members of the so- called United Organization of the Kronstadt sailors. At the head of them stood Komarov, the leader of the Kronstadt rebellion. His dwelling was the headquarters of the organization. Komarov's organization was a branch of the "Union for the Liberation of Russia". At the search at Komarov's house, there was found dynamite, printing works, and official paper of the above-named organization. The organization called the "Union for the Liberation" had branches in various provinces; the leaders of these branches were in communica- tion with groups which existed in various factories and in Soviet organizations. The organizers of the provincial branches were former sailors. The couriers when they left Finland for Russia, were provided with arms and passports of the Third Mine Destroying Division, the commander of which who gave out these passports is arrested. The Aims and Methods of the Plotters The aim of the organization, according to the statement of Tagantzev, was "to prepare the forces for the rebellion, by finding a basis for a union between the intellectuals and the mass of the people." According to the statement of the same Tagant- zev, in the Petrograd organization there were more than 200 members, chiefly former officers, sailors, lawyers, and former factory managers, and so on, who managed to penetrate into responsible posi- tions in the Soviet administraiton. They considered assassination the best means for achieving their aims, and directed their activity accordingly. Digitized by Google 82 SOVIET RUSSIA February 15, 1922. By the confession of the arrested Orlovsky and others, they blew up the monument of Volodarsky, and organized a number of attempts on the lives of Soviet leaders. In his statement, Orlovsky says: "We wanted to get one of our members, the elec- trician Koptelov, into the Astoria Hotel, Petrograd in order that he should kill Zinoviev. Our pass- word was "Day'." Orlovsky himself offered to kill Anzelovich with a bomb. In a statement of June 1, 1921, this same Orlov- sky says: "It is true that I, together with Nikitin, Permin, Modestov and Fedorov wanted to make an attack on the train by which Krassin was travel- ling, and take away all the gold and valuables; Tagantzev told us that Krassin was carrying gold, and he asked us to make this attack." By the statement of Komarov, the organization prepared explosions in the Nobel warehouses, and an explosion of a monument on Vasilie Island; to get on fire the first Slate saw-mills and the assassination of the former Commissar, Kuzmin, head of the Baltic Fleet. Thanks to the timely discovery of the organization, the enemies of the revolution did not succeed in carrying out their barbaric intentions. According to the statement of Professor Tagant- zev, he together with Shakhnovsky (who was an- other member of tlie organization), organized in Petrograd and Moscow a number of secret banks and oiEces, in order to sell valuables in Russia and abroad, and thus fight the Soviet Government on an economic basis. In his statement, with regard to the methods of fighting, Tagantzev, criticizing the desire of Kol- chak, Denikin, and other White Generals to con- quer Soviet Russia by the establishment of a large number of fighting areas, says: "You cannot conquer Soviet Russia, you must stir up rebellion in it." "The Union of Liberation", which is an organ- ization of the Cadet Party, had a very diffuse program. In order to attract into their plot the Socialistic groups, the monarchist Tagantzev in- cluded in the program the demand borrowed from Kronstadt, about free re-elections into the Soviets. When the White Guards of Petrograd accepted this war-cry, they knew very well its real meaning. They openly confessed that under "Free" Soviets they really meant not Soviets of the Third Inter- national, but Soviets of the Russian land. This war-cry was necessary for them; first of all in order to remove from power the Communist Party, because the Communist Party without the machin- ery of State, will not be dangerous after the revolu- tion. The dark forces confessed that they con- sidered such elections a coup d'elat. Social Traitors and Financiers According to Tagantzev's statement, to this or- ganization belonged people of various political views, including Left Wing Socialists-Revolution- ists. The Petrograd Committee of the organiza- tion distributed a large number of appeals and proclamations. A large amount of counter-revolu- tionary literature was imported from Finland. During the search appeals were found from the leader of the Kronstadt rebellion, Petrichenko, to the workers of Mocow and Petrograd, in which this man, who is in pay of foreign agents, appeals for an armed rising against the Communistic sys- tem. This White Guard organization was directed from abroad by the former Tsarist Minister, Kok- ovtsov and the apologist of Russian Imperialism, the Cadet Struve; from them the organization received the necessary money. By the statement of Tagantzev the organization received from abroad about 10,000,000 roubles. Struve organized in Paris a group of financiers, which was to supply Petrograd with all the neces- saries after the revolution. From the correspondence which has been found on Tagantzev, it is seen that the organizers of the plot, living abroad, placed great hopes in the Russian Commercial Conference, which was taking place in Paris, from which they hoped to get a large sum of money for organizing the rebellion. From the materials found, it also seems that the Kronstadt rebellion had given new hopes to the White Guards of Petrograd. Tagantzev states: *That the intensity of the work during the Kron- stadt rebellion took the form of energetic dis- cussions of questions of organization, attempts to get into touch with Kronstadt, and the distribution of appeals printed in Finland." The organization expected to get 8,000 tons of products from Yudenich's fund. Savinkov*s Warsaw Organization The All-Russian Extraordinary Committee has information that the Petrograd "Union for the Liberation of Russia", united in April and May with Savinkov's terrorist organization in Warsaw. The Cadet Party and its evil spirit of Russian counter-revolution, adopted tactics of destruction and a system of murder. This party of enemies of the people, which was selling Russia jduring the Revolution to all representatives of interna- tionalism, thus appears in its true lights as the real organizer of hunger and economic destruction. Savinkov^s Plot In the end of May, this year, the All-Russian Extraordinary Committee also discovered the large fighting terroristic organization of Boris Savinkov, which had spread out over the whole of the western and north-western provinces, and had branches and groups practically over the whole territory of the Russian Socialist Soviet Republic. The headquarters of the discovered organiza- tion was situated in the town of Gomel, and was called "The Western District Committee of the National Union of the Defence of Country and Freedom." All members of the Central Committee and of the sub-committees in the Provinces of Gomel, Minsk, and Smolensk, were arrested. Hundreds of Digitized by Google February 15, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 83 members of the organizations were also arrested along with some of Savinkov's couriers and spies. A large number of incriminating documents nave been found as well as a large quantity of counter- revolutionary Itierature. From the documents which came into the hands of the Central Extra- ordinary Committee, and from statements of mem- bers of the organization, we could establish not only a full picture of the origin and development of the organization, but also of the whole "National Union for the Defence of Country and Freedom", just as well as the relations existing between them on the one hand, and the French Military Mission on Poland and the Polish General Staff on the other. The organization was under the entire control of the "All Russian Committee of the National Union for the Defence of Country and Freedom", which has its headquarters in Warsaw, in the Hotel Bruhl. The Chairman of the "All Russian Committee" was the Socialist Revolutionary, Boris Savinkov, the organizer of the White Guard Rebellion in 1918 in Yaroslav. Members of the Committee were Cossack officers, Victor Savinkov (a brother of Boris Savinkov), Dickhof-Kerental, Filosofov, General EUevengraine, Colonel Gnylorybov, and Selyanikov. The organization was started in the middle of January this year, with members of the "Russian Military Committee" in Poland. Savinkov named this new organization "the National Union for the Defence of Country and Freedom", after the Society controlled by him in 1918, which was liquidated by the Extraordinary Commission. Aims of the Organization and Methods of Work The principal aim of the organization was to prepare an armed rebellion for the overthrow of the Soviet power. The construction of the organ- ization was as follows: A number of the District Committees are de- pendent on the Central Committee, while the pro- vince and town Committees are in their turn dependent on the District Committees. It was the duty of the town and village Committees to or- ganize in all Soviet Institutions, factories, villages, army centres and so on, groups of the "National Union for the Defence of Country and Freedom". These groups were to organize the people be- longing to no parties, and use their influence at elections to Soviets, in order to get into the Soviet members of their organizations. They were also to try to disorganize the economic life of the country wherever and in whatever form possible. All members of the Committee had to belong to some fighting contingent of the party. These fighting contingents were supposed to play the deciding part at the time of a rising against the Soviet Government, though great hopes were also placed on the armies of Bulak-Balakhovich, Percmykin, Petlura, which are interned in Poland. The troops of these people were to be sent into Russia by first bringing them near the Russian Polish frontier, disguised as workers.* From these elements were to be formed fighting contingents, which even before the beginning of the revolt in Russia had to penetrate into the coun- try and get into touch with the "National Union for the Defence of Country and Freedom". The contingents were to prepare the field of battle for the interned armies that were coming, while the Cossacks had to be concentrated on the River Styr, from where they should penetrate to the Don. According to the statement of the arrested members of the organizaiton, they had the consent of the Polish General Staff and the Chief of the French Military Mission in Poland, General Nis- selle, for the transport of the interned troops into Russia. The organizers of the "National Union for the Defence of Country and Freedom", were recruited chiefly from among the interned officers in Poland. These were sent into Soviet Russia singly and in groups; for instance, in April this year, two groups of 192 persons of such organizers were sent into the Volga District. The special feature of this new organization is that on the same territory ex- isted a number of organizations quite independent of each another, all working in the same direction, yet one not knowing about the existence of the other. Such a state of affairs was a necessity ia view of the character of the organization and its political make-up. When Savinkov admitted members to this or- ganization, he paid little attention to their political views. Monarchists, Cadets, Socialist-Revolution- aries, Mensheviks, it was all the same to him, so long as they agreed to take orders from him, and participate in the preparation of a rebellion. In order to hide the political views of these groups, Savinkov organized parallel organiza- tions. At the time of the organization of the party of "National Union for the Defence of Country and Freedom", the politicians of Hotel Bruhl were expecting peasant rebellions, and they timed the activities of their organization to occur simultane- ously, but when Savinkov's hopes of peasant re- bellions in the spring miscarried, he postponed the time of the revolutionary activity for the time of harvest The working out of the full plan of the re- bellion and the amalgamtion of the parallel groups were expected to take place on June 5 in Warsaw. Should this congress find that they had not suffi- cient strength for a rebellion at harvest time, they were to postpone it for the time of gathering of taxes. From the documents which have come to the hands of the "Extraordinary Committee," it is evident that this Congress actually took place. •It now becomes clear why the Soviet GoTcmment, in protests addressed to Poland last summer, insisted that no Polish troops be concentrated near the Russian border. Sec for instance the Note to Poland, of July 4, 192L printed in Sovut Russia, October, 192L Digitized by Google 84 SOVIET RUSSIA February 15, 1922. Savinkov's "National Union for the Defen«» of Country and Freedom" became the Centre of all counter-revolutionary activities, and the Govern- ment" of Petlura came to an understandmg with him directed against the workers and peasants of Russia. At the present Ume, all these White or- ganizations in the South of Russia are united in a counter-revolutionary union, called toe South- ern States of Russia", at the head of which stands the Southern District Committee of the National Union for the Defence of Country and Freedom I I TcTTOT the Principle Tactical Method In order to illustrate the importance which they attached to terror, let us quote a statement of one of the arrested members of the Central Committee "We wanted to weaken the reprisals ot the Soviet Authorities by terror." Wiii this aim in view, a number of attacks were planned on Administrative Centres on Soviet Cen- tal Bureaux and Party Offices. It was also in- tended to organize a number of explosions m Sov et Offices, at various Congresses, Conferences, etc They wanted to disorganize and demoralize the Communists by terror, and use terror as a means for stopping the influx of new members mto the ComZist Party. Also the Red Army was to be disorganized by terror. With diis aim m view, Ihey planed a number of attacks on the head- quarters of the Army, the shooting of Commis- aars and explosions in the barracks. "This Is wLt they meant by terror «t the t^e of organizing the party at the end of last yean Uter on, owing to the disorganization by bandits of the normal railway communication with Western Siberia and with the South, and the con- SenTc^minution of food supplies in the coun ry Sy decided to disorganize also the economic hfe of the country. F'rom that time onwards, their ; taSS were J^iefly directed to the dest-ction^of the economic organization of the country. They fegan Jo demolish railways, locomotives buildings stores in order to bring the transport system ot Se country to a standstill. Destruction of fuel Sores by fire was intended to intensify the crisis. The SLiforous organization of strikes in factories, destJucSon of machinery and burning of factorjjs were intended to destroy Russian industry. Ihe JestruSon and plunder of food stores, the de- struS and spoiling of products during transport he shooting of the food officials, aB«ation arnong the peasantry against the "^^l'^/ °/ ga^^W these measures were recommended ty.Savinkovs "Union for the Liberation of Russia, m order to strangle the workers' and peasants' power by ^Xse measures were to produce dissatisfaction amongst the larger sections of the population and TgenLl rising. "We must bum out a free pbc^ where to build from the beginning. This was Ae aim of the "Union for the Liberation of ^ Accoiduig to the statement of the arrested mem- bers, they used the military contingents for in creasing the economic destruction of the country. This activity was also to have prepared the men for the coming fight. Terror was also to test the efficiency of the young organization. The program of the "Union" was obscure and One and the same paragraph could be explained in different ways. In the beginning they demanded the transfer of power after the rebellion to me "Union". After the Kronstadt rising, they de- manded a transfer of power to new Soviets, which were to prepare the country for the convocaUon of a Constituent Assembly. This intentional indistinctness of the program and the acceptance of Socialist-Revolutionary and Menshevik demands, was made in order to attract these elements into the "Union", along with the Monarchists, Cadets, and Black Hundreds. The extreme White General Elvengrem, who, already in 1917, at the time of Kerenky, was arrested for his counter-revolutionary activity, was accepted aa a full member into the "All-Russian Committee . Connection with Foreign ImperialisU The "Union" received financial support from the Polish General Staff and from the French Mili- tary Mission in Poland. The last-named paid out monthly to V. Savinkov, throOgh Captain Drache, 10,000,000 Polish marks. In addition to this, the chief of the Information Bureau of the French Military Mission, Major Marino, paid addiUonal sums for information of special importance about the Red Army. , „ i i c An autograph letter of Colonel Pavlovsky, Com- mander of all Savinkov's detachments on Soviet territory, to the latter, is of interest. In this, Pav- lovsky asks Savinkov to get from the French as much information as possible about the supplies of the Red Army. . When Savinkov traveled in the spring ot last year to Paris, for consultation with the French Government, he succeeded, with the help of the Russian industrialist, Putilov, in organizing a group of rich capitalists to subsidize his organization. The information office of the "Union" acted as an international Secret Service Agency, for giving in- formation about the military and general condi- tions of the Soviet Republic. The information about the Red Army which he obtained was prmt- ed and sent out periodically to dl foreign military missions in Warsaw. Savinkov's agents, who came from Russia, went to the French Mission and to the Polish General Staff to give informaUon. While the French Military Mission m Poland confined its activity only to subsidizing Savinkov s organization, and to the use of constant pressure on the Polish War Ministry to give greater support to Savinkov, the Polish General Staff was active m: (A) Permitting and helping to organize parties and detachments on Polish ter- ritories and the transport of these detach- Digitized by Google February 15, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 85 ments at the expense of the Polish War Ministry. For instance, the detachment of Colonel Pavlov, Colonel Pavlovsky, Lieut. Orlov and others. (B) The supply of arms and munitions to these detachments. For instance, the arms used by Lieut. Orlov in his attack on the townlet of Koidanov, were supplied to him by Poland. (C) Assistance in recruiting amongst the interned troops, and the sending of these to Russia. (D) Assistance in the re-organization of the remainder of the interned armies of Bulak-Balakhovich, Peremykin, Petlura. The Extraordinary Committee has a letter from Bulak-Balakhovich to the head of the workers' detachment in Poland, Captain Poversak, in which he clearly states that Bulak-Balakhovich's army, which is supposed to be interned in Poland, is in reality re-organized into detachments which are under the command of the 2nd Polish General Stafif. The Extraordinary Committee has docu- ments which prove that the interned Cossacks are taken into the Polish service as frontier guards. The Polish General Staff was supplying Savinkov's agents and couriers with free railway tickets and gave them permission for the transport by rail of anti-Soviet literature. Nearly all Savinkov's agents are also in the service of the Polish Intelligence Department. All military and political communications which Savinkov's couriers brought from Russia, were suppied to the Polish General Staff. Savinkov's agents who penetrated to Russia were conducted by the Polish frontier police. The houses of Polish officials were used for storing anti-Soviet literature. A member of the Western District Committee of Savinkov's organization went to Russia; permission was given to him, signed by Major Bek, to carry into Soviet Russia two kilograms of poison. This poison was really intended for poisoning trust- worthy parts of the Red Army before the beginning of the rebellion. The relations between Savinkov and the Polish Government, which cooled a little after the Russo- Polish Peace Treaty, became animated after Savinkov's return from Paris. But Savinkov was cunning enough to cheat his supporters. He falsi- fied all the information he obtained from Soviet Russia, and supplied this to the French. He in- vented stories about a military union between Soviet Russia and Germany, directed against France and Poland; collected lists of commanders of the Red Army with German-sounding names and described them to the French Military Mission as people in the pay of the German Government With this information he succeeded in frightening the French and thus opened for himself a way to their purse. It is interesting to note that after Savinkov's re- turn from Paris, his friend Professor Sologub- Voino, was appointed inspector of the interned Russian prisoners-of-war camp. At the Congress of the "Union for Liberation of Russia", which took place in Warsaw in June, a decision was adopted declaring the necessity of an Alliance with France and Poland. Ample means and active support from France and Poland gave the organization possibilities to spread its net over nearly the whole of European Russia, and to get into the Society a number of people occupying very high posts in the Soviet service. In Vitebsk a Menshevik, named Mark Zarkh, was arrested, who had a secret money exchange office. He changed foreign money for Russian for all of Savinkov's organizations in Western and North-Western Districts. Besides destroying all Savinkov's organizations in the Western Districts, we at the same time suc- ceeded in destroying a number of Savinkov's de- tachments which stood in direct communication with Savinkov's Executive Committee. At the time of the defeat of Colonel Pavlovsky's detachment in the province of Minsk, of Prudni- kov's and Pimenov's detachments in the province of Gomel, a number of documents fell into the hands of the Extraordinary Committee which prove conclusively that these detachments stood in close relations with the Polish General Staff, and with the White Russian Committee in Warsaw. The Extraordinary Committee also has proofs that Savinkov's detachments carried out a number of bloody Jewish pogroms in the province of Minsk. In his letter to Savinkov, Colonel Pavlovsky asks him to send along munitions, also poison. This is in general outline a picture of that ter- rible destruction and bloody horror which the Black Hundred Socialist revolutionary, Savinkov, was preparing for the Russian peasants and work- ers on the money received from French and Polish sources. These adventures and corrupt patriots have been awaiting impatiently the quick over- throw of the workers' and peasants' Republic and the wild feasts of White terror. As stated by one of them, "they were preparing impatiently and developing feverish acti\aty," but the iron hand of the Proletarian Dictatorship frus- trated their wild desires in time. The FRIENDS OF SOVIET RUSSIA National Office 201 West 13th St, New York. You do not want to see the Russian people deprived by famine of what even the armies of the great powers could not take from them. Send your money contributions to the Nation- al Office, and find your gifts acknowledged in one of the March issues of Soviet Russia. Digitized by Google 86 SOVIET RUSSIA February 15, 1922. Petrograd Come interesting facts and figures on the life women, electricians 2,100 men and sixty-five of Petrograd in 1920 are found in the women, shoemakers 2,943 men and 901 women, materials recently published by the Central Statis- garment workers 2,897 men and about 15,000 tical Department. A special census was taken in women, and of the unskilled workers there were Petrograd in 1918, and again in 1920, thus enabling 3,028 men and 1,677 women doing dock work. a comparison to be made between two dates since The total number of flats and tenements (these the Revolution. being the ordinary form of housing accommoda- The population of Petrograd on August 28, 1920, tion in Russia) decreased during the last two numbered 706,841 persons — 296,501 men and years by 8.4 per cent. The principal cause of the 410,340 women. Compared with 1918 (1,179,256 decrease was, of course, the destruction of old persons — not counting suburbs) the Petrograd wooden houses for fuel purposes. Of the total population thus shows a decline of over forty per number of 250,000 flats and tenements, 55,139 or cent. The 1920 figures, however, do not include over one-fifth were shown as unoccupied. The the troops garrisoned in the town, so that the actual average number of persons per dwelling dropped decrease is somewhat less than 400,000 persons, to the low figure of 2.8. The remarkable preponderance of women over Industries men (72 men to 100 women, not counting the t j ^^ i j . i . i i i i troops) is explained by the repeated mobilizations ^"k"'^'o n^? 7^'T '''''u^!^ ^^ ^t'' ''^'''''* •ince the beginning of the war. T^i^'^tu'^^l ?^\^ ''*'' ^" ^^^ ^T^'Soo ''"'''*• ^ ° 1,262, with a total horse power of 388,582, were Vital Statistics working, and 775 undertakings with 65,484 horse During the first half of the year there were power, were idle. Of the latter figure more than a 10,004 marriages, 7,756 births, and 25,920 deaths, half (42,000 h. p.) was accounted for by textile The number of marriages is unprecedented, having factories, which at the time were not running reached 26.7 to 1,000 of the population, whereas owing to the shortage of cotton, but resumed their the normal rate of marriage for Petrograd is six to operations soon after. 1,000, and the highest rate previously recorded did The work of these undertakings was distributed not exceed eleven to twelve per 1,000. The num- as follows: ber of births for the same period has increased, War industries 498 compared with 1919, both absolutely and in rela- Orders from central Government tion to the total population, being equal to 20.7 Institutions 768 per 1,000 inhabitants. This rate shows a con- Private orders 400 siderable advance towards the pre-war figures Free Market 33 (28.7 per 1,000) . Of those bom in 1920 there * Needs of the owners 61 were 3,991 boys and 3,765 girls. The number of workmen in all the working The number of deaths (25,920) gives an annual undertakings totalled 91,229 persons, of whom death rate of 69.1 per 1,000. Of these deaths 52,153 were men and 39,076 women. 4,420 were caused by typhus epidemics, 2,803 by Educational Institutions pneumonia, 2,783 by phthisis, 2,426 by exhaustion r\c • i • * * *i. ^ j i« w\^ due to lack of food, 1,645 by remittent typhoid. . ^^ »P~"^ inter«t are Uie figures dealing wth 628 by violent means, and the rest by various the number and acUvUies of various mstituUons for disease. Among the highly infectious diseases J"* advancement «/ education and culture in the greatest increase in the death rate was shown P^^?er<^^ 1° this field in so short a time as two by spotted typhus, small pox, dysentery, and in- °' .'?',*'! ^S*" Petrograd has surpassed many a fluent. On the other hand children's diseases, capital in Europe with an equal population. On such as measles, whooping cough, diphtheria, and ^""""'y 1' ^f^9' ^^'^ ^'^^ "> f-y^'I^i'i'A TTf typhoid fever, have shov^ a smaller death rate. '°J'*8'*/"4 "»^'|,'"»f 7'* }^'^J^ '""<^*";'» i?l OccuDations whom 1,657 graduated during the year), 343 The working population of Petrograd (those '"=^°.?'» ''^ ^« ^^^ "i? »f'=°"'* 6^?^" f^. ^'.f^ between sixteen Ld fifty) number 391,577 per- PVP'l».t>;:enty-nine schools of national ni«noriti« sons, and represent about half the total population *''!' 3.866 pup.ls, ten subsidiary schools with 623 (fifty-five per cent.), the number of working men P"P^'»V ^°' P^'-po'es of adult educaUon there being somewhat greater than that of women. Of were Afty-six schools and classes; with 499 schooU these all except 30,352 persons (of whom 26,040 »<»- »»«terate8, with 23,433 students. In adduion were women engaged mostly in domestic work) »<> "»is there were thirty-nine schools for young were employed in other than agricultural occupa- workers, having 6,233 pupils, and two workers' tions. A remarkable feature is the abundance of faculties at the Petrograd University with 598 clerical workers: clerks alone numbered over students. Petrograd has 299 children's homes of 40,000, and in addition to this there were 12,000 which 201 are for children of school age, fifty- accountants and bookkeepers, locksmiths numbered nine for children of pre-school age, and thirty- 11,801, turners 3,000, stokers 2,688 men and 183 nine special schools for deficient children. Th« Digitized by GoogIe_ Fcbraary 15, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 87 total number of children in all the children's homes was, in January, 1920, 28,601. Kinder- gartens, creches, etc., numbered 146, with 10,391 children, and sanatoria three, with 157 children. Besides these there are seventeen children's homes for national minorities with 1,944 children, as well as eleven kindergartens with 546 children. The number of children's clubs in Petrograd is •eventy-cight with 11,253 children. In all 94,919 children, or 13.6 per cent of the total population of Petrograd, are educated in schools, while 22,081 or 3.1 per cent of the popula- tion, are in pre-school and other institutions, together making a total of 117,000 children, or seventeen per cent of the population. Of these 34,397 children (4.9 per cent) are receiving addi- tional education in clubs and homes. At the end of 1919 there were in Petrograd sixty- five libraries containing 931,000 volumes and having 64,700 readers. Theatres Theatres actually open to the public numbered forty-seven, including three academic, seven State, and thirty-seven people's theatres. The most frequented was the Theatre of Opera and Ballet (formerly Marinsky Theatre), the average attend- ance at which was 1,688 persons, and the total annual attendance 330,787, that is, nearly half the population of the city. The Dramatic Theatre (formerly Alexandrinsky Theatre) had an average attendance of 1,186 persons, and a total for the year of 252,665, that is, about a third of the popula- tion. The Theatre of Comic Opera averaged 940 visitors per performance and 159,849 for the year, which is equal to about one-fifth of the population. Thus the theatres which possess the best artistic forces in Russia are now open not only for select audiences, as in the pre-revolutionary days, but for all the masses of the people. About a third of the total number of performances (148) were given specially for soldiers of the Red Army, members of trade unions, and scholars. As might be expected the motion picture fills an even more prominent part in the life of the city. There are thirty-eight nationalized motion picture theatres in Petrograd which during the first six months of 1920 gave 1,112 shows, attended by 2,323,732 persons, which works out at an aver- age of three attendances per head of the popula- tion. Museums and picture galleries in Petrograd number twenty-three, of which, however, only fourteen are open to the public. During 1919 they were visited by 718 excursion parties totalling 21,328 persons. Workers' Clubs The extensive growth of workers' clubs and various educational and artistic societies reveals an active interest and great initiative on the part of the workers in the matter of self-education. On April 1, 1920, there were open in Petrograd 160 workers' clubs, including twenty-six party clubs, seven attached to works committees, six union clubs for young workers, five clubs attached to trade unions, fifteen to various educational organ- izations, and forty to various undertakings and institutions. In addition there were registered 449 circles of an educational and artistic character. Over a third of all these clubs owe their existence to the initiative of the workers themselves. As re- gards finances, more than a half of these clubs are self-supporting, and less than a third draws on the subsidy of the Commissariat for Education. The libraries of these clubs contain 216,409 volumes. Nearly one-seventh of the total popula- tion of Petrograd are members of varijus clubs and circles, the former having 81,699 members and the latter 13,828. These figures can thus be taken as a striking illustration of the movement which has seized the mass of the Petrograd population to acquire a greater knowledge and higher culture. They also show a marked awakening of the social instincts, which in the past were something entirely alien to the vast majority of the Petrograd inhabitants. We bring the famine home to you in print! Soviet Russia now appears twice a month as the OflScial Organ of the Friends of Soviet Russia. Pictures, Appeals, Diplomatic Notes, Literary Articles, Maps, Progress of Trade, etc. Subscription and Bundle Agents Get Busy. At All Newsstands, Fifteen Cents Per Copy. Subscription Price: $2.50 per year; $1.25 per half-year. Address: SOVIET RUSSIA 110 West 40th St., Room 304, New York, N. Y. List of new literature on sale will be printed in next issue. Digitized by Google 88 SOVIET RUSSIA February 15, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA Official Organ of THE FRIENDS OF SOVIET RUSSIA Published Semi-Monthly 110 West 40th Suect, New York, N. Y. Devoted to spreading information about Russia, with the specific purpose of informing Amedcan readers on the instiiulions and conditions in that country, so that they may feel the necessity of bending every effort to fight the famine that threatens to destroy the Revolution and its achievemenU. ACCORDING to newspaper reports the Nation- al Civic Federation has passed a resolution arranging for a committee to investigate the work of relief bodies other than the American Relief Administration. The Friends of Soviet Russia, it is reported, is the only body named in the resolu- tion. Our letterheads are quoted as reading: "Our principle: We make the following class appeal: Give not only to the starving, but to save the Russian workers' revolution. Give without imposing imperialisUc and reactionary conditions as do Hoover and others." It seems to us that the clear statements on our letterheads should exempt us from political investi- gation, because we state clearly why we appeal for working class support. On the other hand Hoover's American Relief Administration does not publicly announce its anti-Soviet policies, although Captain Gregory claims that he overthrew the Soviet Gov- ernment of Hungary for Hoover. If the American Relief Administration wishes to raise funds to overthrow Soviet governments, let them say so as clearly as we state our aims. At any rate, an organization of which the executive knows not what its agents do should be investigated by contributors. As for an investigation of the Friends of Soviet Russia by the National Civic Federation, we only know of it through the press. But maybe it is true. Maybe we shall investigate each other. We are not informed as to the aims and purposes of the National Civic Federation, but we do not believe that the organization was formed to in- vestigate organizations like ours, which make pub- lic appeals for' funds. We rather think that for them to undertake such work would "involve need- less waste and reduplication of overhead charges," because we understand the National Information Bureau is considered well equipped for that func- tion. We shall be pleased to give any information concerning our organization to the National Infor- mation Bureau. We have already given that organ- ization information which it has requested. Has the National Civic Federation done the same about itself? It is, of course, remotely possible that the National Information Bureau would consider both organizations as political (a very broad term) and for that reason not endorse either. We are, however, getting curious about the National Civic Federation. We make this offer, so that we may know each other. We offer to exchange with the National Civic Federation copies of our latest audited statements and lists of con- tributors, for mutual information, publication and discussion. We do not look to the National Civic Federation for support, nor do we intend to support them. But if there is to be mutual recrimination, let it be based on facts. We offer to exchange information — especially lists of contributors. * * * npHE Arms Conference — as the needs of abbrc- **• viated speech, coinciding for once with the re- quirements of truthfulmcw, had caused the "Dis- armament Conference" to be designated — ^has at last ceased. Even the faint hopes that had been placed in it by the unsophisticated had been dis- sipated long before the termination of amenities, and when the posthumous offspring of the Wilson- ian "League of Nations", after a sad little life, swiftly flickered out, there were none to mourn it and none to attach any seriousness to its accom- plishments. For world peace it has done nothing. World peace now means, more than ever, an equi- librium between social classes, a class harmony, and Leon Trotsky's series of articles, opening in this fortnight's Soviet Russu, will show how far we are from the establishment of such a condition. Even the news writers of the most reactionary news- papers in America are perfectly frank in their admissions that nothing has come of the Confer- ence, that, in the words of Elmer Davis (New York Times, February 6), "it will be a long time before we see what this new spirit of which so much has been said really amounts to; and it should be remembered that there have been limitations of armament before this, although nothing so com- prehensive." Mr. Davis' article is typical of the comment appearing throughout the press, both in the Washington despatches and editorially. The unanimity is not only on the subject of the futility of the Conference in general, but more specifically on the immense advantages obtained by Japan from the Conference, or rather, the power Japan has been gradually storing up in resources and in stra- tegic position during the war and the post-war period, which now finds formulation in the new alignments as expressed in the conversations and scraps of paper with which the Washington Con- forence begarlands itself for the edification of future history. Japan sat with the moguls, is the unanimous opinion, dined with them, and walked off with their gold watches and chains. All of which is of minor moment to us. But Siberia will have to pay. As Mr. Davis says: "Why was Siberia put on the agenda, with all the formidable and elaborate subheads under which Siberian affairs were to be discussed? Siberia took up as much Digitized^ Google February 15, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 89 space on the agenda as Qiina, but those headings and sub- headings were never heard of in the conference. One plain spoken word from Japan, one protest, logically con- vincing but practically futile, from the United States, and Siberia was dropped- *The conference was intended to do something for Siberia. The American delegation intended to have Siberia discussed. Senator Lodge's explanations after the fact cannot change that. And Siberia was not discussed. That will be represented in the Far East as a situation in which Japan bluffed America out. The notion of Siberians and others that America was the great power which would pro- tect everybody against Japan no doubt was a rather fanci- ful whimsy, but at any rale it will disappear now. American ■otes of protest hereafter can do little but irritate Japanese feeling, for everybody knows now that beyond notes of protest America does not intend to go.** It is fortunate that at least a few straight words are being spoken in the press on the matter of the Japanese attitude in Siberia, but we regret that the inference commonly drawn from the press com- ment leaves it a matter of Japan's attitude only, as there is no reference at all in American papers to the military operations that have been proceed- ing without interruption in Siberia for years, and which, especially in the last few months, have been the occasion for atrocities perpetrated by Japan against the peaceful Siberian population that ex- ceed even the most savage imaginings of anti- German and anti-English press hirelings during the World War. It is not our purpose to speak of those atrocities at this moment, nor of the in- finitely worse, because more permanent, policy of Japan in gradually absorbing the lands that belong by right to the population of Siberia, which is of many races, including the Russian, and has no de- sire to be made a pawn on the chessboard of Japanese imperialism. We refrain from pursuing this subject at the present moment, but only for the reason that it will be treated in an authoritative article in the next issue of Soviet Russia, by a contributor who is well acquainted with his sub- ject, and who has unfortunately been absent from our columns for several months. Ti^EANWHILE, although Japan is being al- lowed a free hand in Siberia, and is receiv- ing advance promises that she need not take seriously any cpmmunications concerning her Ac- tions in Siberia that she may receive from the United States Government, every assurance is re- ceived from many quarters that much concern is felt over the welfare of the people of Siberia and Russia. In Canada 4( Canadian Press service, Feb- ruary 2, as reprinted in the Montreal Gazette) , the Canadian Committee of the Save the Children Fund for Russian relief has been organized with Colonel Herbert J. Mackie, of Pembroke, as president. The Prime Minister, Hon. W. L. Mackenzie King, has endorsed the committee by consenting to act as honorary president. We are glad to see that even the mighty are beginning to be interested in Rus- sian children to the extent of starting an active and apparently efficient propaganda for raising f ands to feed them, and we note, though not with- out amusement, that the National Advisory Com- mittee of the new organization will make effort to restore Russia to the society of Christian nations: "A national advisory committee is being formed to in- clude representative citizens of the provinces and cities throughout Canada. Communications received by Colonel Mackie from leaders in church, business and social work indicate that there is a nation-wide desire to join in the work of saving the children and restoring Russia to the society of Christian nations.** * * * TN a recent issue of Clarte (Paris), we find a reproduction of a photograph that is very in- teresting. It represents a portion of the soil of a Russian province, taken from an airplane flying over it. It looks something like the surface of the sediment left by a puddle of thick and muddy water, after all the water has been evaporated off. Remotely, it resembles the photographs one has seen of the surface of the planet Mars. More or less regular fissures run like a network over the coun- try, dividing it at close intervals into bizarre panels, the space between being the unbroken sur- face, the dividing lines the deep furrows left by the receding soil as it caked into hard yieldless waste. We wish we could present this picture to our readers as one of our illustrations, but we fear that the rather crude picture would not look like much after passing through an additional repro- duction. If we should ever get hold of the original photograph, we shall of course immediately print it in Soviet Russia for it gives a very complete notion of the drought and waste that have fallen upon portions of Russia. • * • nPHE RURAL NEW YORKER, in its issue of January 28, prints the following item under the title ''Conditions in Russian Relief": "Most of us know very little about what is going on in Russia. Now and then some incident comes through from the country where co-operation seems to be enforced with a shotgun. One of our readers in Michigan relates this incident, showing how personal relief funds are handled: •*We have a neighbor who, with his brother and their families came here perhaps 10 years ago, leaving a father in Russia. This winter they sent $27 worth of clothing over there, and because it was sent as goods from this country direct to an individual, their government couldn't take it from him for apportioning among their people, and so it had to be sent back. In a letter their father wrote, he said they were living on roots and herbs; although he had had wheat, the government took it all, and they were obliged to eat the seed. Their next neighbor kept theirs, and the whole family were shot. Wheat that Mr. F. has had to sell here for $1 is $9 in Russia, and they can't buy it if the money was sent." We are particularly sorry to see such a story re- printed in The Rural New Yorker, which is a paper that has hitherto been rather fair to Soviet Russia; it is not a pro-Soviet paper, but it has never stooped to the levels of misrepresentation that were re- sorted to by many other journals when the Gov- ernment of the Workers and Peasants was under discussion. We believe that when the attention of The Rural New Yorker has been called to this matter, it will not print such letters. Digitized by Google 90 SOVIET RUSSIA February 15, 1922. How the Soviet Government Works III. The Council of Labor and Defencb (The following is the third of a series of articles on the institutions of the Russian Soviet Government which we are reprinting from **Russian Information and Review'\ published by the Russian Trade Delegation, London. The first was on the All-Russian Central Executive Comfnittee, the second on the Council of People's Commissa rs.) np. HE main task of any civilized Government, •*• apart from the preservation of its authority, the organization of education, and the promotion of public health, lies in the assurance of peaceful economic progress for its citizens. For the Soviet Government in particular, which came into ex- istence pledged to assist the complete transforma- tion of the social order and the economic founda- tions existing in Russia before the October revolu- tion, these economic tasks were necessarily of primary importance from the first And this cir- cumstance was only the more emphasized by the utter anarchy in production prevalent in the cap- italist regime of pre-revolutionary days, and by the complete bankruptcy and breakdown brought about by the death struggles of Tsarism between 1915 and 1917. Building in this sphere, as in all others, entirely anew, without experience or any material or moral aid save its own resolution and the backing of the vast majority of the Russian workers, industrial and agricultural, the Soviet Government at the outset put before itself the bold and seemingly hopeless task of establishing a central economic authority, which should unify and co-ordinate the work of the various People's Commissariats whose activity afifected the economic interests of the community, without in any way impeding their labors. It was felt that such a body should exist specifically for the purpose of drawing up and applying, through the various People's Commis- sariats, a general, all-Russian, economic plan of production, distribution, and commerce. Such a plan would provide for the requisite utilization of raw materials; the necessary import of supplies *rom abroad; the general progress of industry; the maintenance and improvement of the transport system; the most rational utilization of labor- power; the development of agriculture (not merely in the sense of ensuring an adequate supply of food to the population through State or other channels, but with the object of bringing it up-to-date and ultimately of directing it on to large-scale Communist lines) ; the disposal abroad of surplus products and raw materials in such a manner as to produce the maximum benefit for the whole of the community; the regulation of State currency and banking; and so on. For this purpose there was organized in 1918 the Supreme Economic Council (Vysshy Soviet Norodnogo Khozaistva), at first as a People's Commissariat, built up in the ordinary way and headed by a Chairman and Board selected by the AU-Russian Central Executive Committee from amongst its members. Its first task was to take over and administer the national industries as they one by one passed, from June, 1918, onwards, into the hands of the State. In this it worked as the central unit of a network of local economic councils, each built up out of a section of the local Soviet Executive Conunittee with a number of additions from trade union and technical circles. But very clear and unmistakable indications were given that the future functions of the S. E. C. were to be far wider than those involved in regulating industry: at first by agreement with the other ^'economic Commissariats", and ultimately by absorbing them, it was to develop into that organ of universal co-ordination and national house- keeping which has already been described. Circumstances, however, decided otherwise. The civil war which began in the spring of 1918, passing in the summer into a war of national defence against foreign aggression and invasion, for three years obliged the Soviet Government to consider the work of each Commissariat in the light, not of its harmony with the best economic interests of the people as a whole, but of its adaptability to military requirements and the needs of a besieged fortress — as Soviet Russia felt herself to be from 1918 to 1920. Certain Commis- sariats (Food, Transport) developed into powerful organizations with a nation-wide scope and a sense of independence; others (Labor, Agriculture, Foreign Trade) had their vitality destroyed or their activities seriously limited from the very beginning by the conditions of war-time. The Supreme Economic Council itself found its hands more than full with the problem of adapting industry for war-time purposes and (when peace returned with the autumn of 1920) of reviving those branches which had had perforce to be allowed to fall into decline or decay. After three years of concentration on purely industrial affairs, it was no longer capable of assuming the all- embracing role assigned to it by the original planners of its existence. It had become to all intents and purposes the People's Commissariat for Industry. A new organ was necessary: and such a one was at hand. In April, 1920, the Council of Defence (an inter-departmental "war Cabinet" set up within the Council of People's Commissars in November, 1918, for the express purpose of win- ning the war, like its counterparts in Western Europe) had been re-organized on a wider basis as the Council of Labor and Defence (Soviet Truda i Oborony), "with the object," in the words of the Digitized by Google February 15, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 91 decree, "of the closest possible unification of all forces on the labor front" It was hoped that warfare was at an end, and that peaceful work was once more possible: more especially the mili- tary formations previously at the disposal of the Council of Defence could now, it was anticipated, be utilized in a more rational manner, in the form of "Labor armies", by the same Council with a wider personnel, and thus the painful stage of demobilization and industrial re-absorption might to a large extent be avoided. Once again sanguine hopes were thwarted, and the Polish attack, together with Wrangel's renewed activity in the south, efifectively postponed all thought of peaceful revival for nearly twelve months. More than this, it was quite clear by the end of this new and (so far) conclusive chapter in the Soviet Republic's military life that the general exhaustion was then too marked to permit of the measures planned earlier in the year. Demobil- ization was therefore decided upon and carried out; and the Eighth All-Russian Congress of Soviets, which met in December, 1920, to consider the new situation of Soviet Russia, was placed in a posi- tion to utilize the Council of Labor and Defence for a purpose of vaster and more far-reaching import than the direction of labor armies — namely, to carry out the work of general economic unifica- tion outlined earlier in this article. In the decree of the All-Russian Congress, the work of the Council of Labor and Defence was defined as follows: The C. L. D. co-ordinates and derelopt the activity of an departments of State in the interests of the defence •f the country and of economic reconstruction. To carry out the task imposed upon it the C L. D. publishes its decisions, regulations, and instructions, and takes all the measures necessary to ensure their accurate and rapid execution; in particular, it determines ihc single economic plan of the R. S. F. S. R., submits it for ratifica- tion by the A. R. C E. C, directs the work of the Economic People's Commissariats in accordance with this plan, supervises its application, and decides in cases of necessity •n any modifications of its provisions. The constitution of the C. L. D. which, in prac- tice, meeting weekly, works as a Committee of the Council of People's Commissars, and publishes minutes of its proceedings in its official daily organ Economic Life (Ekonomicheskaya Zhizn)j is laid down by the same decree. The chairman of the Council of People's Commissars is chairman of the C. L. D.; its permanent members are the People's Commissars for War, the Supreme Eco- nomic Council, Labor, Transport, Agriculture, Food, and Workers* and Peasants' Inspection, together with a representative of the Alt-Russian Council of Trade Unions. The director of the Central Statistical Department attends the sessions in a consultative capacity, and the People's Com- missar for Finance with a decisive vote when finan- cial questions are being discussed. It 28 of great importance to note that, while the decisions of the C. L. D. are binding on all institu- tions, central and local, and may be altered or set aside only by the A. R. C. E. C. or the Council of People's Commissars, the C. L. D. has set up no apparatus of its own to carry out these decisions. They are communicated in the requisite form to the Conunissariats concerned, and their execution is the work exclusively of the latter; thus unneces- sary bureaucracy has been avoided. On the other hand, it has a definite and extremely energetic apparatus for assisting it in arriving at its conclu- sions. At the centre, in the capital, it has sub- ordinated to it a series of thirteen or fourteen great inter-departmental commissions, which work up the material and collect the data from the appropriate People's Commissariat, each in its own delimited sphere of work, but together cover- ing all the more pressing economic problems. The chief of these is the State Economic Planning Commission (Gosplan), which draws up the eco- nomic program for the year in all its encyclopaedic variety on the basis of the reports of the People's Commissariats, and submits it to the C. L. D. for discussion and approval. Others, scracely less pro- minent, biit actually more specialized, are the State Electrificalion Commission (Goelko), the Committee for Improving the Lot of the Working Class, the Committee for Utilization (which until the most recent period controlled the distribution of all the raw and partly worked-up materials of production), the Committee for Investigating tlve Agricultural Conditions of the South-Eastern Region (set up since the beginning of the famine on the Volga) ; and so on. Further, the C. L. D. has at its disposal, since October, 1921, a constant and regular stream of reports from the network of local organs of similar type, set up in large numbers following a special decree of the A. R. C. E. C. of June 30, 1921. Regional "economic conferences" (ekonomiches- koye soveshchanie) — this was the name given to the new bodies partly to distinguish them from the old "economic councils", which are now purely industrial bodies, and partly to emphasize their super-departmental character — may be set up in any of the recently marked out economic regions or groups of provinces by special decision of the C. L. D. They are composed of representa- tives of the same institutions as the C. L D. itself, who have to be personally confirmed in their appointments by the latter body; and the confer- ences as a whole are directly responsible to the C. L D. Provincial, county, and area ,(a term which includes both rural areas and the towns) economic conferences are composed of the chair- men or directors of the following departments of the appropriate local Soviet Elxecutive Committee; economic council, land, food, labor, workers' and peasants' inspection, municipal affairs, statistical (with a consultative voice), and the chairman of the council of trade unions for the given territory. The chairman of the local executive committee is chairman of the conference. In rural districts (sub-divisions of counties, which are smaller than Digitized by Google 92 SOVIET RUSSIA February 15, 1922. "areas") the conference is constituted by the chair- man of the executive committee, the directors of the land and municipal affairs department, the chairman of the local co-operative society, and a representaUve of the workers' and peasants in- spection. In all these lower bodies, technical experts and representatives of other institutions are invited for consultative purposes on special questions. Finally, the lowest units of all are the village "agricultural committees" (selkom)y set up by the Eighth All-Russian Congress for the express purpose of raising the level of agriculture; and, in the case of large factories which express a desire in this sense, factory economic confer- ences, composed of the chairman or vice-chairman of the Board of Management, the chairman of the Workers' Committee, the chairman of the Local Valuing Committee (set up in connection with the introduction of free Uading under the new eco- nomic policy), and a representative of the local "group for assisting the workers' and peasants inspection." All these local organs, from the provincial eco- nomic conference to the factory or village bodies, act as sub-committees, meeting weekly or fort- nightly, of the Soviet Executive Committee for the given territory or of the Soviet of the given town or village; and are directly and entirely responsible ♦o these bodies, forming no apparatus of their own. They thus bear exactly the same relations to these general organs of State authority as the C. L. D. itself bears to the Council of the People's Commissars; and their tasks are defined by the decree of June, 1921, m a similar way: "to unify and develop the activity of all local economic organs, to co-ordinate their work, and to ensure that they meet the problems dictated, not only by local mterestt but also by those of the State as a whole. In other words, in addition to providing the "economic plan" for strictly local requirements, each grade of this gigantic economic machine is charged with supervising the execution, m the territory for which it is responsible, of that section of the general State plan which affects that terri- tory, in all its details. It is therefore natural that each of these econo- mic conferences should be required to render regular quarterly reports— on lines worked out and laid down by instructions from the C. L. D. itselt, to cover all sides of local economic and social lUe —to the- economic conference immediately above it, that is, village committees to the rural district body, rural districts and small towns to the county bodies, counties and large towns to the provin- cial organs, and so on. The reports of the prin- cipal bodies are printed in a fixed number ot copies, and sent, in addition to the recognized central economic bodies, to the principal libraries, universities, academies, institutes of economic re- search, etc., in the Republic. Other reports (rural district, village, and small town) are handed m manuscript form to the appropriate superior eco- nomic conference, and are abstracted for the cen- tral authorities by the provincial statistical de- partments. In conclusion, we may refer to the figures avail- able to illustrate the work of the Council of Labor and Defence, which show that in six months (November 1, 1920, to April 30, 1921) it examined 991 questions, twenty per cent of which were raised by the Supreme Economic Council, thirteen per cent by the Commissariat for Food, and twelve per cent by the War Department; while in the first four months of 1921 seventy-three sub-com- missions for special current questions (apart from the principal permanent group mentioned earlier) were set up. No statistics are yet available of the work of the lower organ; but for the last three months Economic Life has been steadily printing abstracts of the reports of the provincial economic conferences now coming in. These reports on the whole, in spite of many obvious defects bom for the most part of inexperience, show that the general principles indicated by the C. L. D. have been correctly grasped by the local Soviet workers and economic bodies and that an earnest and sys- tematic effort is being made to introduce an ele- ment of co-ordination and forethought into local economic activity. There is thus slowly but surely being built up a more and more solid guarantee that the new economic policy in all its ramifica- tions will be intelligently applied, and the founda- tions of the new social order firmly and unshak- ably laid. SOVIET GOVERNMENT INSTITUTIONS The student of Russian Institutions cannot afford to be without two pamphlets that con- tain full texts of important laws of the Soviet Government. These are: The Labor Laws of Soviet Russia, with a Supplement on "Protection of Labor", by S. Kaplun, of the Commissariat of Labor, 80 pages, 25 cents postpaid. The Marriage Laws of Soviet Russia, with an explanatory introduction, 85 pages, 25 cents postpaid. Special terms for quantities. SOVIET RUSSIA Room 304, 110 W. 40th St., New York, N. Y. Digitized by Google , February 15, 1922, SOVIET RUSSIA 93 Finnish Aggression Against Karelia T ATE in November the People'8 Commissar for •*^ Foreign Aflfairs published at Moscow a cor- respondence with the Finnish Government on the subject of White Guard invasions into Karelian territory, encouraged by the Finnish Government On November 6, the Russian plenipotentiary representative in Helsingfors handed to the Fin- nish Government a note enumerating instances al- ready reported in the press of new invasions by White bands from the Finnish side into the terri- tory of the Karelian Workers' Commune, against which hostile act on the part of the Finnish Govern- ment protest is made, as this act involves a viola- tion of the peace treaty with Soviet Russia, since it constitutes aid and comfort given to White Guard attacks against autonomous portions of the Soviet Federation. The note declares that the Finnish Government is held responsible for all damage caused by this White Guard invasion. On November 18, a note signed by Chicherin was handed to the Finnish Ambassador at Moscow quoting trustworthy information obtained by the Soviet Government on the subject of aggressive acts launched from the Finnish side against a number of Karelian border villages and parishes, by White Guard bands led by Finnish soldiers, who terror- ized the peaceful Karelian Commune, while the Finnish press was simultaneously conducting a campaign in favor of the invading bandits. The note calls attention to the suspecious fact that this invasion comes at the very time when the Russo- Finnish Mixed Commission is discussing Karelian questions, for which reason it may be surmised diat these hostile acts have the deliberate object of creating the erroneous impression that there is a pro-Finnish sentiment in Karelia, in order thus to exert pressure on Soviet Russia in the final settlement of the Karelian question. The Russian Government protests most energetically and cate- gorically against this support given by the Fin- nish Government, which openly aids and abets the invasion of Karelia by armed bandits, and asks the Finnish Government to take immediate steps to put an end to this violation of the Karelian Workers' Commune, declaring that the Finnish Government will be held responsible for all dam- age done by the invading bands. A note had been received from Finland, dated November 9, to which Chicherin's note of Novem- ber 18 is a reply. The Finnish note of November 9 denies that the Finnish Government is officially supporting the invasion of Karelia, but Chicherin's answer enumerates a long series of very important incidents showing that the Finnish Government cannot be uninformed on this subject. Organiza- tions and activist groups domiciled in Finland, e. g., the so-called Karelian Union, the Hunters' Bureau, etc., deliver weapons to the cantons bord- ering on Eastern Karelia and send into those can- tons their agents and detachments recruited in Finland, for the purpose of attacking the Soviet Government. Many of the persons directing these organizations and groups have occupied and still occupy responsible posts in Finland, e. g., the notorious officer Tokkonen, Commander Alvella of the Skyddskar (sharp shooters' battalion), the chief of the secret police, and many other persons working under assumed names, such as '^Ilmari- nen", "Vainamoinen", etc. The actual names of these persons the Russian Government hopes soon to be able to announce. Many of these persons carry on a vigorous agita- tion at the skyddskar meetings in favor of insur- rection in Karelia. Kell-known Finnish politicians, bank directors, factory owners, engineers, and mili- tary men, have f oriiied a new organization to back the invaders of Karelia by every means. They have opened official pourparlers with the Finnish Government, which, notwithstanding its avowed in- tention to abide faithfully by the peace treaty, has not declined to enter into relations with these elements. The so-called "Karelian Government", openly formed in Finland, publishes daily com- muniques based on information brought by couriers whose crossing of the Boundary is freely permitted by the Finnish Government, although that govern- ment has officially closed its frontiers to such movement. Other facts also show that this closing of the Finnish border is a sham. Entire detach- ments and convoys repeatedly cross the frontier. On November 13, an armed detachment crossed from Finland to the canton of Repola, attacking the Russian frontier guard and seizing their officers, while at about the same time rifles in considerable quantities were delivered from Finland at Kemi and Ozersk. North of Repola, at the Komdalanti line, the frontier is absolutely open and there is nothing to prevent crossing from the Finnish side. Near Lieksa, in this region, recent information states that a new detachment is preparing to in- vade the canton of Repola. This detachment con- sists largely of former Kronstadt mutineers who are now interned in Finland. These being the facts, the Finnish Government's protestations of loyalty to the peace treaty would appear to be groundless so long as its attitude continues to be dominated directly by activist in- fluences. The active sympathy of the Finnish Gov- ernment for these attacks is shown by the tone of the entire Finnish press. On November 20, all the Finnish newspapers published an appeal to all Karelians residing in Finland to form detach- ments for the invasion of Karelia. This appeal was signed by Colonel Malm, the former Chief of the Karelian Expedition of 1918, giving the precise address in Helsingfors where volunteers should enlist The so-called Karelian Committee openly circulates inflammatory anti-Russian appeals among the peasantry of the border. The Finnish Govern- ment connives at this open liaison between the Digitized by Google 94 SOVIET RUSSIA February 15, 1922. Finnish activist press and the bandit movement in Karelia, extending the freedom of the press to the Eoint of permitting open appeals to be issued for ostile acts, with the purpose of endangering the peaceful relations between two neighboring coun- tries. But the freedom of the press was not in- terpreted by the Finnish Government as preventing it from suppressing all socialist and labor papers that were considered to be hostile to the present regime in Finland. Finnish Government Responsible for these Activities Many other cases are mentioned that show how great is the freedom allowed in Finland for the formation of all sorts of organizations hostile to Soviet Russia. Yet the Finnish Government has taken no steps whatever to prove that it is faithful to the peace treaty. On the contrary, by an in- activity and indulgence that are inadmissible under the treaty, the Finnish Government encourages a monstrous campaign in the press against Russia, the circulation of false and misleading statements, e. g., the canard about oppression by the Soviet Government in Karelia, alleged punitive expedi- tions, etc., all of which are mentioned in the Fin- nish note. For the information of the Finnish Government, the Russian Government denies that there is any possibility of such alleged oppressions in Karelia. The Russian Government has devoted a portion of the sums collected for the relief of the Volga famine to the purchase of food in Fin- land for Karelians in distress, but the food was seized and robbed by bandits, not without the collusion of the Finnish Government. The Russian note also calls attention to the fact that the bandit movement is disturbing the economic reconstruc- tion undertaken with such great pains by the Karelian Workers' Commune. But on the basis of such erroneous statements the Finnish Government presumes to tell the Russian Government what policy should be maintained in Karelia, which the Russian Government interprets as an intervention in its internal aflfairs, against which it accordingly protests. In conclusion Chicherin declares the Finnish Government responsible for all damage caused by the activist invaders, since the Finnish Government has taken no steps to curb them, but, on the con- trary, even tolerates their direct support by the Finnish authorities. In noting the rather signifi- cant delay in answering his note of October 18, Chicherin concludes: "I must remind you that the Russian Government has at its disposal means that are quite sufficient to put an end to the dangerous adventure undertaken in Finland against the Karelian Workers* Commune. The Russian Gov- ernment will not yield a single inch to the pres- sure brought to bear by outside intervention of this kind, and, since it respects the peace treaty and faithfully adheres to it, it has the right to expect equal respect and fidelity to the treaty on the part of the other contracting party." NOTE TO FINLAND {Note delivered on December 5, 1921, to the Finnish Charge d' Affaires in Soviet Russia for transmission to the Finnish Government.) CIR,— On December 1 the Finnish Government ^ transmitted to me a Note (No. 1705) con- veying the text of its application to the so-called League of Nations. In relation to the application of the Finnish Government to the so-called League I must, in the name of my Government, state that this application appears to be an attempt to in- volve foreign Powers in the internal affairs of the Russian Socialist Federal Soviet Republic, and also an attempt to decide questions arising out of the Russo-Finnish Treaty by means of the intervention of foreign Powers. Within this so-called League of Nations, as is not unknown to Finland, there are Governments who still maintain an attitude of more or less open hostility towards Russia, as, for example, France, which systematically organ- izes and participates in every hostile attempt against the R. S. F. S. R., and which, even to the present day, has concluded no treaty with her, as well as Japan, which at the present lime is occupying a part of the territory of our ally, the Far Eastern Republic. The proposal of the Finnish Govern- ment for the formation by the so-called League of a commission for the investigation of the condi- tions in Karelia and for the entry into Finnish territory of the commission constitutes in substance and in form an unheard-of infringement of the sovereign right of the R. S. F. S. R., and is an attempt to introduce an organization of hostile Powers on to the territory of one of its inalienable components. The Finnish Government must un- doubtedly have known that the Government of the R. S. F. S. R. would indignantly repudiate the suggested entry into any part of her territory of a commission or committee of experts for the pur- poses indicated in the Note. The Finnish Govern- ment has put forward the suggestion for such a committee obviously with the sole aim of creating belief in the alleged terrorism in the Karelian Workers' Commune, with the purpose of disposing public opinion in other countries in favor of the bandit invasions of Karelia organized and support- ed by the Finnish Government. With no less in- dignation I, in the name of my Government, reject every attempt at investigation and decision by the above-mentioned League of questions concerning the internal constitution and government of an in- alienable part of the sovereign R. S. F. S. R. Apart from the fact that a decision of the League would be considered by us as entirely non-binding, we see in this an attempt of the Finnish Government to secure a new and one-sided decision in her favor of a question which has been definitely defined in the Yuriev Peace Treaty.* Following on the above I must state that the * Yuriev (Dorpat) was the scene of the signing of the Peace Treaty between Soviet Russia and Finland, on Octo- ber 14^ 1920 (full text in Soviet Russia, Vol lY, No. S.) Digitized by Google February 15, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 95 Government of the R. S. F. S. R. considers the fact of the reference of the Finnish Government to the io-called League of Nations as in every respect hostile, and in substance an infraction of the peace treaty. In addition to my last two Notes, which have hitherto remained unanswered, I must indicate the following: The Finnish Government tcnden- ciously represents the incidents occurring in the border districts of the Karelian Workers' Commune as an uprising of the people, who are supposed to be driven to despair by forceful requisitions of food and by the repression of their national culture and rights. The Russian Government is in posses- sion of irrefutable documentary evidence proving and supporting its early statement, namely, that what the Finnish Government terms "the uprising of a suppressed people" is nothing more than the invasion of bands organized on Finnish territory and receiving every manner of support and en- couragement from the Finnish Government In illustration of this it is only necessary to mention the following: The invasions into the Karelian Workers' Commune take place solely in the districts in the vicinity of the Finnish border. The attacks (the victims of which were several Russian frontier posts, for example Nos. 6, 11, 13, and others) bear witness to the fact that the Finnish frontier, in spite of the assurance of the Finnish Government, re- mained and still remains open at various points for passage of the bands on to the territory of the R. S. F. S. R. The whole Finnish Press, irrespect- ive of its various political tendencies, proves the truth of all our assertions. In addition to what I have already said I must state that in the prepara- tion of the attacks, in the choice of the moment of their realization, in the recruitment of every possible force in their support, even in the charac- ter of the individuals participating in them, there is indisputable evidence of a close bond not only between the Finnish Government and the Finnish activists but also with the aggressive portion of the Russian counter-revolutionary emigres. We have here clearly revealed an attempt at co-ordinat- ing elements hostile to Russia, which, entirely ignoring the actual state of afifairs in the Karelian Workers' Commune, and the sympathy displayed by the Karelian people towards the Soviet Powcr^ is producing at various frontier points armed in- vasions of an autonomous part of the R. S. F. S. R. It is very significant that the Finnish Government, on November 22, issued a visa for entry into Finland to Savinkov, the organizer of bandit in- vasions into both the Russian Socialist Federal Republic and her ally the Ukrainian Socialist Soviet Republic. No less significant is the partici- pation in such movements of a number of the leaders of the Kronstadt revolt, who, in conjunc- tion with the mutineers interned in Finland, are forming companies directed against the Karelian Workers' Commune, as for instance in the vicinity of the Finnish frontier town Leksu. Is it by the dispatch of these companies of Russian counter- rerolutionariet that the Finnish Government thinks to strengthen the belief in the alleged "wide-spread nationalist movement" amongst the Karelian people? The Russian Government asserts that this policy of the Finnish Government expressed in the pre- paration of organized attacks on the territory of die R. S. F. S. R. adjacent to the Finnish frontier, and in the application to the League of Nations, constitutes an infringement of the peace treaty which may lead to the most serious consequences, and finds itself obliged to insist on the acceptance by the Finnish Government of the following meas- ures: (1) The immediate and real closure of the frontier in order to prevent the invasion of armed bands into lh« Karelian Workers' Commune, as well as the adoption of measures for the repatriation to Finland of th« remnants of the defeated bandits. (2) The discontinuance of any kind of assistance to or- ganizations and individuals preparing or carrying out aggressive attempts against the R. S* F. S R^ and in particular Karelia, not excluding moral help expressed in the declared sympathy vrith them by the Finnish Government. (3) The complete liquidation of all organizations and bureaux on Finnish territory openly or covertly par- ticipating in the organization of attacks or materially supporting such attacks, such as, for instance, the Karelian Citizens' Committee, the Jagarbureau, th« so-called Karelian Government organized and continu- ing on Finnish territory, the various recruiting bureaux and such like, as well as the prohibition of any kind of recruitment or financial collections on Finnish ter- ritory in favor of the Karelian mutineers, and any kind of help which might issue from Finland. (4) The dispersal of all organizations of Russian counter- revolutionaries in Finland for the conduct of armed movements against the R. S F. S R-, and the expulsion from her territory of all leaders and inspirers of thes« organizations. In the event of the Finnish Government refusing to adopt the above-mentioned measures the Russian Government will feel itself obliged to adopt other measures for the eflfective guarantee of the peace treaty between the Finnish Government and the R. S. F. S. R. I am, Sir, yours, etc. Chicherin. NEXT FORTNIGHTS Soviet Russia (Dated March 1) will be illustrated with a number of maps and charts, explanatory of the distribution and the causes of the famine. Among the articles that will appear in this issue are: 1, Fedor Dostoyevsky, by Kurt Eisner, 2. The Changed World Situation {Second Instal- ment), by Leon Trotsky. 5, The Meteorology of the Russian Famine, by D. H. Borodin, 4, The Far Eastern Situation, by Max Strypyansky. At All Newsstands FinEEN Cents Per Copt Digitized by Google SOVIET RUSSIA February 15, 1922. National Office Notes It 18 generally presumed that the only sections of Soviet Russia that must be helped are along the Volga. This, however, is erroneous. The drought was most extensive and intensive there. There are other districts, nevertheless, that face danger. The provinces of Novgorod, Yekaterin- burg, Perm, Pensa, Don, Northern Caucasus and a part of the Ukraine have suffered from the famine. And this is one-third of the population of the affected districts. The Volga, however, is the area that needs most imme* diate aid. There was a deficit of 85,000,000 poods (1,500,000 tons) of food. 20,000,000 poods (260,000 tons) of food per month will be required to keep the people from starving. Only 2 to 25 per cent of the children can be taken care of with the present resources at hand, i. e., with the resources of all the relief organizations. "You can say with certainty that hardlv five per cent of the inhabitants of our place will live till Spring. Ninety- five per cent will perish if no food is procured for them in time. The people still have a little hope, they are waiting and believe that help will come from somewhere. Anybody coming from the city or neighboring village is immediately surrounded by people inquiring about aid. It is difficult to tell them the truth — and thus destroy the last hopes of the dying" "Even news that seed will be furnished for sowing docs not enthuse the peasants.** "Who will be here to do the •owing,'* they say, "when we are dead?" In December, there took place in Moscow a conference of all Russian relief organizations, which decided on measures for the care of the starving population. It was decided that every ten Russians would have to support one starving peasant. The placing of responsibility for feeding the famine-stricken population will undoubtedly stimulate the relief work. Let American workers do likewise! American labor unions and other workers* organiza- tions must make themselves responsible for the feeding of at least one million starving Russians. With a little energy and with a concerted drive we can do it! Tractors and motor ploughs wanted!! America, the home of the motor, and of tractors and ploughs, must be the first to supply Soviet Russia. Ameri- can workers can do a great deal in this sphere. We have large tractor, motor and plough factories. Carry on a campaign among the workers in these factories. Get tliem, as a body, to approach their employers and procure from them the use of the factory machinery, and the supply of raw material at cost price. This is to be obtained upon condition that they, the workers, donate their work free of charge* It can be done — with a little persuasion. In Germany, they have been doing it for some time. The workers in a large motor truck factory near Berlin have been making trucks for Soviet Russia on the above conditions. This was their contribution to the famine relief* The work of relief is proceeding with unabated energy all over the world. English workers have collected more than 2850 pounds. Germany has collected two million marks in cash, 1% million marks in clothing and other material. Holland has reached the figure of 120.000 gul- dens. Women's and children's groups have been collecting es, racially for the maintenance of children's homes in Soviet Russia. The first relief ship that left France "suddenly" exploded. Of course, accidentally! Since that time, the French workers have gone to work with augmented energy. Every week, more than 100 cases of clothing are sent to the warehouse in Metz. The Qarte is especially active. Norway has collected 120,000 crowns, and large quantities of food, clothing, etc Sweden, 40,000 crowns in cash, 70,000 in material; Italy 300,000 lire, with prospecu of 1,000,000 lire in a short time; Czecho- slovakia, 1,600,000 crowns; Bulgaria, more than 1,000,000 leva; Argentine, 1,000,000 marks. Relief committees are working in Brazil, Mexico, South Africa, China and Japan. The Norwegian workers recently dispatched the S- S* Terje, containing a large quantity of food. Berlin shoe- makers are repairing 1,500 pairs of shoes donated by work- ers of Berlin. The League of Nations listened to Dr. Nansen, indiffer- ent to the whole matter of relief. A short time after the conference, we learned, however, that the French Govern- ment had voted 6,000,000 francs for relief. Up to the present, none of this money has been advanced. An empty promise, as usual, of governments to workers ! The other governments, at first recalcitrant, at last re- lented and consented to give help. The British govern- ment voted £250,000 worth of medicines. The American Government made a large appropriation for wheat and medicine. But it is coming too late to save the millions* It is coming too late to rescue the millions of babies who clamor for milk and get none. It is coming too late to keep alive the millions of peasants who must be on hand to sow the fields in spring and save Soviet Russia from the aftermath of the famine — ^no tillage. For if the peas- ants are not able to cultivate the fields this spring, Soviet Russia and the Russian people will face a more tremen- dous problem next year than this year. They will be confronted with bare fields, depleted granaries and a peasantry in the present famine region broken down in health and physique. Hence the call to the American workers: DO NOT DE- LAY I THE DANGER IS GREAT. MILLIONS WILL DIE—ARE DYING! The Soviet Government is co-operating with all agen- cies working for relief. Not a single pound of food it diverted. "It is the death penalty for any one stealing food." In fact, it has been noted that guards have stood on watch, hungry and cold. They do not touch a crumb of food! It was not the death penalty alone that res- trained them. The discipline that arose during the four years of civil war, when the Soviet Government of the workers went through a life and death struggle, when treachery and deceit were the daily practice of the ene- mies of the Workers' Government, in their efforts to over- throw the Government — this discipline has made them true to their word,— made them true to DEATH! It hat created a sense of comradeship that comes from common misery. It has awakened a sense of unity in the face of great disaster. It has aroused a bond of brotherhood that has maintained the Russian people in the midst of great calamities. And now it is the same close bond of inter- national solidarity of the working class that is bridging the chasm that capitalist governments tried to dig when refusing and hesitating to help the starving Russian mil- lions. The (3iristmas drive of the F. S. R. is not yet over. In fact, the clothing feature of it will last for some time to come. Several cities were unable to begin on the speci- fied day and are holding the drive now. Others have lengthened the drive, having attained such splendid re- sults. One hundred and thirty-eight cases of clothing left on January 24, on S. S. Gasconier. This represents a value of more than $40,000. The warehouse of the F. S. R. is still crowded with cases that have come from every part of the country. In Bulgaria, the radical workers have collected mor« than $200,000 and a large quantity of clothes and other material. In Yugo-Slavia, despite the White Terror, which does not hesitate to destroy even works of humanity, the workers have organized a relief committee and are doing Digitized by Google February 15, 1922. SOVIET •plcndid work. The South African workers have des- patched a ship containing about 1000 tons of rice and other foodstuffs. t? c t> Everett, Wash., has established a branch of the F. b. K. Los Angeles recently held a concert which netted more than $3,000. The branch is conducting two raffles, from which it expects to reap a large sum of money. The comrades are now planning activities up to May 1. Minneapolis is still conducting tho clothing drive. Chicago has not yet finished. Philadelphia has collected more than 1400 bundles. Newark is about to begin. Boston conducts a regular house to house collection every Sunday. , *« Ann New York recently held a bazaar, clearing over 13,000. A **hunger" banquet netted more than $500. New York has arranged a second "hunger" banquet, in the nature of a reception by organized labor to Paxlon Hibben. Detroit has arranged a syphony concert with the Detroit Symphony Orchestra, Ossip Gabrilowitsch conducting. Vancouver, B. C, has just affiliated with the F. S- R. On January 20, the branch held a concert and dance, admission k>eing soap, medicine, canned food. This is an idea worthy of imitation. Toronto held a magnificent Foster meeting. The police tried to interfere and even before the meeting tried to prevent it. Result: More than 100 had to be turned away. Why this activity? Why this fear on the part of the police? Because they knew that Foster knows the truth about Soviet Russia and would tell it. The F. S. R. is putting State organizers into the field. The purpose is to do intensive work in smaller places and particularly in the Labor Union field. The organizers will be equipped with stereopticon picture slides depicting the famine in Soviet Russia. The message of Soviet Russia and the famine must be brought home to the unions and they must be lined up. In this latter department, fine work has been done in the past few weeks. The San Diego, St. Paul, Los Angeles, Hartford and Binghamton, N. Y-, branches have secured the endorsement of the Central Labor Council of their city. The Rockford, 111., Central Labor Union has endorsed the F. S. R., also recommended to its affiliat- ed bodies to join the F. S. R* More and more unions are affiliating with the F. S. R. The National Office of the F. S. R. is circularizing the tmions in the 145 towns in which there are F. S. R. branches and in this way is succeeding in arousing greater interest in the relief work and the organization. All branches should send in a list of the Labor Unions and other workers' organizations not affiliated vrith their branch. Send in the date and place of your meetings and the National Office will write them. Important! Edgar T. Whitehead, having been released from Ellis Island, '•was further sabotaged when capitalist papers to which had been sent bulletins on his case, which they failed to print, sent reporters to interview him after his release, and thereupon promptly failed to print the in- terviews! Hardly anything else was to be expected! Following is a letter from a little Seattle girl: **I have read that their is many children suffering of hunger. I am pore myself but I will try to help you children I ask the other children but they said that they coiddent any im a little girl but Im with you goodby. Your freinds Vina and NeU." "The month of January is to witness the wholesale cessation of all conferences on famine. The time has come not for resolutions but for millions of poods of bread." Thus Anton Avseyenko, chairman of the Ex- ecutive Committee of the Government of Samara. "•Dear Sirs, Enclosed find ten dollars to aid suffering children of Russia. Sincerely, the First Aid Club Fourth Grade, School, Ohio." The children can do things— they also know how. So can you! RUSSIA ^7 *T am old and feeble, 78 years old, afflicted with asthma in the last stage. Almost at the end of the rope As long as I can I will send my mite." Another political prisoner at Auburn sends a contribu- tion of $10. and writes: "I hope that you who are enjoying liberty will do your share in this work." If the United Mine Workers can do a thing, why cannot other organizations do it too, provided they are animated with the same spirit? The Mine Workers are suffering as perhaps no workers in this country are. Ihus, the official report of the Secretary-Treasurer of District 24 states that the members of the Wolverine Mine No. ^ have "worked only 21 days in the past eight months. This is typical of a great part of the membership. StiU they are assessing themselves for relief! Not once, but twice! It is not the ability as much as the will to do the thing that counts. The leaders in the past two weeks' collection are: Toronto $4,700, Chicago $4,000, Lithuanian Section of the F S. R $2,700, N. Y. City $2,774, United Czecho-Slovak Org. of Am. $1,359, San Francisco $1,180, Seattle $1,400. Boston $900, Worcester $550, Society for Technical Aid to Soviet Russia $500, Trenton $500. Cleveland $500, Cin- cinnati $465, Superior $375, Schenectady $350, Indian- apolis $300, Bayonne, N J. $300, Kansas City, Kans. $334, Portland, Ore. $250, Vancouver, B. C. $236, L'Union Franco Beige $188, Newark $182, Milwaukee $178, Rock Springs, Wyo. $180, United Mine Workers of America, Nokomis, IW- *170. ^ . „ ,. , ^ The American Federated Russian Famine Relief Com- mittee, through which the F. S. R. makes its purchases, has issued a statement as per December 31, 1921, which is as follows: nNANQAL STATEMENT OF THE AMERICAN FEDERATED RUSSIAN FAMINE RELIEF COMMITTEE as of December 31, 1921. Receipts Friends of Soviet Russia 260,000-00 Volkszeitung 9,500.00 Joint Furriers' Union 2,994.12 Joint Conference Russian Relations 2,000.00 Workmen's Mutual Aid Association 1,500.00 Children's Milk Fund 1,000,.00 Kenosha Society, Kenosha, Wis 800-00 Workmen's Circle, No. 457 100.00 Individual Contributions 422.00 Returns, Products Exchange Corporation 1,006.61 Rent and Telephone 129-88 Interest from bank 24.95 Total Receipts 279,477.56 Total Disbursements 274,113.54 Balance on Hand '. 5364.02 SUBSCRIBERS to Soviet Russia, as well as dealers handling the paper, are requested to make their remit- tances to this office in United States funds only. Foreign (Canadian, Australian) remit- tances should be on United States Banks or Post Offices, reading in dollars. ' SOVIET RUSSIA Room 304, 110 West 40th St., New York, N. Y. Digitized by Google 98 SOVIET RUSSIA February 15, 1922. Books Reviewed R. W. POSTGATE: Rcwlution ffom 1789 to 1906, Docu- ments selected and edited, with Notes and Introduc- tions, etc. Boston: Houghton, Mifflin Co., 1921. Qoth, 400 pp. This is a collection of the chief documents o fthe re- ▼olutions and working class movements of Europe from 1789 to 1906. Among the revolutions and movements dealt with are the French Revolution of 1789, the Char- tist movement of England, the revolutions of 1848, the founding of the First International, the Paris Commune, and the Russian Revolution of 1905. The work is arranged according to the following plan: each chapter and each section of a chapter deals with a separate revolution. Each section is divided into two halves, an introduction, and the documents. In those cases where adequate histories can be obtained in English, the editor has made his introductions just long enough to explain the documents, but where this is not the case he has written a more lengthy introduction. In the selection of the documents, the author tells us, a deBnite aim has been kept in mind, not so much to present a picture of the dramatic moments of the revo- lutions in the words of the participants themselves, as to select such documents as will give the student and reader an idea of what the revolution was **all about**, what problems the revolutionists were called upon to solve and particularly which of their acts were to become the seeds of the future revolution. He continues: "It is also hoped that there is some connection between the various sections and that they are not a series of discon- nected Incidents. It is obvious that the modern revo- lutionary movement must be treated as a whole, and that its history cannot be written from a purely national stand- point. Something alien to French national history in- trudes itself, for example, into the history of the Com- mune: this non-national element is precisely the revolu- tionary force, the International- This revolutionary force assumes different aspects to suit the particular problems of different countries, but it is in essence the same. The Commune is a chapter of French history, no doubt, but it is also, and equally clearly, a chapter, if not the only chapter, in the history of the First International." The Communist Manifesto is printed in full, just before the "Introduction to the 1848 Revolutions", and a brief account is given of its influence on that period. Marx's Civil War in France, which was issued as an address to the members of the First International, is included among the documents dealing with the Paris Commune. As there is no English history of the Russian Revolu- tion of 1905, the author has given quite a full account of this revolution. And the documents do add emphasis to the story. After reading the "Black Hundred" proclama- tions inciting to pogroms, and the protest of even the non- proletarian members of the Chamber of Commerce of Baku at the massacre of innocent Armenians in that city, one can appreciate more vividly the methods which the reac- tionaries in Russia at that time were using in their at- tempts to bewilder the simple peasant and worker and to conceal from him the real problems before him. Our readers will be particularly interested, because of the particularly savage tone in "Black Hundred" Procla- mations of April and May, 1905, two of which, we re- produce herewith: I. Proclamation: "On the 17lh of February of this year the Grand Duke Sergius Alexandrovich perished at the hand of a cowardly assassin. Another noble soul has de- parted for a better world. Russians, reflect where we are going! Into what an abyss! Whom did Sergius' death benefit ? His entire life was devoted to defending the Russian people against the insolent Jews. He worked with all his strength to prevent the Jews from exploiting the Russians; he would not permit Holy Moscow to be made into a Jewish city. That was why the Jews decided to kill him, for all the SodalisU are bought by the Jewa and the Japanese. "This cowardly Socialists killed the Grand Duke. True Russians, do not believe the lies of the Socialists ! They are all bought by the Jews. Put an end to them in the real Russian way! The Union of the Russian Land." ••Roman Catholic priests, Poles, and Jews, are now try- ing to re-introduce serfdom into Russia. They assist the Japanese in the war and send large sums to help them, but have not given a farthing to the Russian Red Cross. The Tsar has said privately that if he could only get rid of the Jews and the Poles he would divide large tracU of the Crown lands among the peasants. "The Russian, Orthodox Committee." n. Pogrom Circular spread in Kiev and Volhynia during Oo- tober 1905. "The great Anchorite of the Lavra in Kiev has ordered the people to be informed that St. Vladimir, who first christened the people of Russia, has risen out of the bowels of the earth, has awoken the Anchorite and wept with him concerning the Fatherland, brought to shame by Poles and Jews. "0 God, where is the courage of that Russia who once drove back the foreign hordes ? Shame and dishonor to the descendants of the holy Vladimir who tremble before a handful of cowardly Jews and the hooligans that they employ. All of us who still hold dear the name of Russia should know that the Jews and Poles are thirsting for our blood, that they are trying to set us by the ears so as to reach the throne over our dead bodies and thus overthrow the Tsar. "Let us gather in the Churches and take counsel there about the defence of the Fatherland against the Polea and the Jews. "Do not kill the Poles and the Jews* but give the students who are sent by them the sound thrashing they deserve. **£ach person who receives this letter must make at least three copies and send them to other villages and towns. "He who has not fulfilled this order within six days will be stricken by grave sickness and affliction, but who- ever spreads more than three copies of this letter, will be granted recovery from incurable diseases and prosperity in all things. "In the Cathedra] of St. Sophia and the Qoister of St. Michael many will assemble, and when they go out they will cry to the people that it gather together against the Jews and Poles." The last few pages of the book are devoted to the de- bates and resolutions of the First International on the control of industry, in 1867, 1868 and 1869. — M. H. P. APCKHH: MeTau h cro SHanenae b CobctckoS Pocchh. R. Arsky: Metal and Its Significance to Soviet Russia. Government Publication, Petrograd. 20 pages, 1920. To those who have faith in the approaching and ultimate reconstruction of public economy in Russia under Soviet institutions, this small booklet. The Significance of Metals to Soviet Russia, will have a strong appeal. To the author the Russian Revolution emerges triumphant because of Russia*s colossal natural wealth in metallic ores and pure metals. lie treats of the significance of iron, manganese, and lead in the industries and economic life of a country in general, and of Russia in particular. The author raaket this significance so emphatic that the whole contents be- come a tribute to these metals and their important role in • Of course, this circular nevertheless led, as was hoped to pogroms and not to the beating up of students. By comparison, the Dearborn Independent seems much Ims crude. Digitized by Google February 15, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 9s transforming society from primitive modes of living to the more modern, present-day standards of comfort ahd civilization. We are told that without metals and all the possible ntilitarian products made from them, normal life is not to be had, a truth which our ancestors of the "Stone Age", in their transition to the "Metal Age", soon reocgnized. In our age, everything, all manufactured products, ham- mers, axes, scythes, sickles, plows, including the most complicated machines, all are made from metals. Countries poor industrially, technically, politically, and in all other respects, possess few of the more modern comforts of life and are least progressive, facts which are substantiated by the high position of material civilization as exampled by England, Germany, and the United States. Russia is so rich in natural resources, in iron, man- ganese, and lead producing ores especially, that neither she herself nor anyone else knows even approximately the extent of her wealth. The pamphlet abounds in data and statitsics about the various regional distribution of the iron, manganese, and lead depoits in the territories now making up Soviet Russia. The relative production quan- tities of the various regions are given and again the much- heard of Donets Basin appears as the chief contributor of metallic ores, and the most significant in its ore re- serve and in its mechanical equipment, and as the most efficient in the methods employed in mining and smelting. In this regard, the South-Russian region has been behind and largely neglected, in spite of the fact that it has great significance to the railroads and industries of the Ural District. Mention is made of the large quantities of ores and smelted metal lying about idle in the various smelters. For lack of transportation facilties these cannot be de- livered to the surrounding factories to be converted into finished products. The solution of the railroad problem^ however, in no way solves the problem of the further efficient development of these natural resources. Russia always suffered from a ^^Metallurgical Famine**, and espe- cially now, since all industries are so closely dependent upon metals for their beginning, existence, and further development. This pamphlet will serve as a reference, since 1914, for an interested in metallurgical and mining engineering. J. R. M. JOHN S. CLARKE: Pen Pictures of Russia under the "Red Terror". Glasgow, National Workers' Commit- tees, 31 North Frederick Street, 1921. Qoth, 327 pages. As the title-page further tells, the chapters of this book are "reminiscences of a surreptitious journey to Russia to attend the Second Congress of the Third Internationar and are illustrated by "forty-two illustrations from photo- graphs taken by the autohr and the Soviet Government." To our readers, many of these chapters are familiar by reason of the fact that we took the liberty to reprint them in our weekly issues, a year and more ago. Unfortunately, we did not include in our reprints, the interesting pictures above referred to, which added so much to the charm of the articles as they originally appeared in the Glasgow Worker, of which John S- Qarke is the editor. Here you will find the pictures with the stories themselves. Clarke combines the vigor of the journalist with the erudition of the scholar, and manages to convey attractive inorsels of historical and cultural information together with sharp comments on the savagery of present-day opponents of the working class and its representatives in power, as embodied in the Workers' and Peasants' Government of Russia. In fact, there are very few events of importance or interest in present-day life that do not come in for some comment at the hands of the author. The reader will remember the caustic paragraph on Mr. H. G. Wells' promise t© shave off Karl Marx's beard- We have printed it once, but it is so good that we must give it again: "What a terrifying threat! It would be a much more intelligent occupation to take up the spectacles and read Karl Marx, of course; but to a man capable of penning the above puccility the theories and facts of Marxism would be equally unpalatable, even had their discoverer been the present writer, who is not only destitute of facial hair, but possesses damned little on his head." On page 43 occurs the sentence: "Kola was destroyed in 1885 by the English." The dale should be 1855. In that year the English navy bombarded not only many points on the Black Sea coast, but also a number of towns on Onega Gulf and other Northern waters, including the town of Kola. J. W. H. Financial Statement of the Friends of Soviet Russia {The following statements and certificate have been prepared for publication by the Auditor of the National Office of the Friends of Soviet Russia*) FRIENDS OF SOVIET RUSSU National Office, 201 West 13th Street, New York, N. Y. Statement M" RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS Prom date of Organization, August 9, to December 31, 192L The INCOME of the National Olfice is received chiefly from Local F. S. R. Conferences and Workers' Organizations. Receipts are issued for income received. Receipt Nos. 1 to 1528 for incomes received to November 30, 1921 have been previously reported in detail, a total of $251,258.74 Receipt Nos. 1529 to 2596 for income received during December are reported in detail in the Bulletin dated January 1922 (mailable upon request) a total for the month of 66.552.18 Total received and acknowledged $317,810.92 The above income was deposited in a bank account, and before it was withdrawn for relief Purposes there was received from the bank NTEREST amounting to 183.13 Making the TOTAL INCOME $317,994.05 From which must be DEDUCTED the following items: (1) Remittances received as con- tributions which the bank re- fused to honor (Receipt Nos. 1 and 214) $274.25 (2) Check temporarily returned by bank to be signed (Receipt No. 1812) 7.50 (3) Exchange and discount on checks received 4.35 (4) Expenses incurred and charges to National Office by locals.... 189-93 (5) Lawyer's fees and bail pre- miums for local workers ar- rested for making appeals.... 425.00 901.03 Leaving the INCOME RE- CEIVED by National Office $317,093.02 HOW THE FUNDS WERE RAISED: In order to assist Locals and Workers' organ- izations to raise and contribute funds the Na- tional Office sent speakers throughout the Digitized by Google 100 SOVIET RUSSIA February 15, 1922. country, published adTertisements and litera- ture and supplied buttons for sale and con- tribution lists for making appeals to individu- als. The amount of money which the National Office spent for this purpose is explained in Statement "B" below. The National Office could charge most of this amount to Locals Inaking them pay for speakers* services and expenses and for literature distributed in their territory, although that would mean a lot more office work, more bookkeeping. But it is better for every one to know how much the National Office spends to help Locals — probably less than the Locals would spend for the same speakers and literature if they incurred these expenses themselves. But be- cause this money was spent to help Locals and Workers* Organizations raise the money which they sent to the National Office it is deducted from the amount which they sent in order to show how much the income received by the National Office amounts to after de- ducting all expenses paid by Locals and all publicity and appeal expenses paid by the National Office. Thus: Publicity and Appeal Expensea paid by National Office .$ 15,58734 Leaving INCOME received by National Office LESS COST OF RAISING SAME $301,505.68 EXPENSES: In order to carry on the work of receiving funds, valuables and clothes, making appeals, and spending the money for relief, the Na- tional Office needs a secretary, office employees and a business office. The expenses paid for those needs are explained in Statement "C** below. They represent $2.17 for every $100 of **income less cost of raising same". They tmount to 6,54839 Leaving a balance AVAILABLE FOR RE- LIEF of Soviet Russia of $294,957.29 Most of this amount has already been SPENT FOR RELIEF, as foUows: Food shipment, direct $2,185.73 American Federated Russian Fam- ine Relief Committee, purchasing agent for F. S. R 260,000.00 Manufacture of 1000 dresses by donated labor of I. L. C W. U. 2,288.94 Freight, express and trucking charges on old clothes contributed 645-95 Federated, International and Rus- sian Conference expenses 676.96 265,797.58 Leaving a BALANCE ON HAND of 29,159.71 Which is mostly in CASH ready to be spent FOR RELIEF but is also represented partly by OTHER ASSETS to be used for raising funds or FOR EXPENSES of the business office, as follows: Cash in Bank $ 24,236.95 Petty Cash on hand 713.75 Advances to Sections, Locals, and Speakers 1,745.26 Office Furniture and Equipment (Cost) 595.25 Deposits for Electricity and Gas 35.00 Books purchased for Sale, less Sale 1333.50 $ 29,159-71 Statement -B" PUBLIQTY AND APPEAL EXPENSES From date of Organization^ August 9, to December 31, 192h •Wages: Speakers and Organizers % 2,197.72 Publicity 240.00 Traveling — Speakers and Organizers 4,779-62 Postages 1,299.25 Official Organ "Soviet Russia*' — subsidy 500-00 Bulletins and Financial Reports printed and distributed 862.92 Advertisements 560-00 Leaflets and folders printed and distributed.... 2,13459 Posters, window cards, etc 300-50 Motion Picture Films 786.22 Cuts, mats, cartoons, etc 697.24 Organization supplies, lists, buttons, etc 1,236.78 Less sale of publicity literature 7-50 Total $ 15,587.34 •Maximum rate of wages is $40 per week. Statement **C BUSINESS OFHCE EXPENSES From date of Organization, August 9, to December 31, 192L •Wages: Secretary $ 960.00 Office Stafif 1,971.30 Office Rent 266.00 Office Space — Fittings, alterations, maintenance and cleaning, 600-72 Office Furniture Rent 2000 Office Supplies, etc 329.75 Printing and Stationery 829.06 Telegrams 252-61 Telephone calls, carfares, etc 91-70 Auditor's Charges 227-25 Total $ 6,54839 •Maximum rate of wages is $40 per week. AUDITOR'S CERTinCATE Certificate I have examined the accounts of the National Office of the Friends of Soviet Russia, New York, N. Y-, for the period from the date of organization, August 9 to December 31, 1921, a period of nearly five months. I received all the information and explanations I de- manded. Any contributor not receiving both an official receipt and a published acknowledgment of his contribu- tion should communicate with me. Valuables received to be sold for the fund, but not yet sold, are not included in the above statement. Clothes and other necessities received for shipment are not included. Expenses have been paid promptly, but expenses incurred and not paid are not included. The above statements, ''A", "B", "C, are of the National Office only and are not consolidated to include receipts and disbursements of affiliated locals. Remittances from locals on account of net income are included. Locals are responsible to their own contributors for the acknowledg- ment and disposition of funds collected. In my opinion the above statements, "A", "B", and **C* are drawn up to present a true and correct view of the cash transactions for the period and of the state of the funds as at the close of the period, December 31, 1921. (Signed) J. B. Collincs Woods, Chartered Accountant' 2764 Creston Avenue, New York, N. Y. January 30, 1922. Digitized by Google February 15, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 101 Relief Contributions, January 1 — 31 2S97 Mra. A. H2. Ceo. Farnaworth, Wadsworth. Ohio 11.20 2893 Srhiidardt Broa.. Terra Haute. Ind 10.00 2894 J. J. 0"nntc. ihrouf;h Schndardt Bros., Terre Haute, Ind 5.00 SROS Loiils Lone. D. C. N. Y. C... 1.00 2896 En-ere BataiMe, Echo. Sasha. chewan. Canada 1.00 '2897 W. S. A n. B. F. Br. No. 217, Fmil Andres. Secy. Maywood, N. J 10.00 2808 Collecfion hv John Anderson, Port Vne. Pa 6.25 2899 A'rh. A Ciisuv Verhulst, Col- linsville. Ill 8.2«? 2*)O0 Dr. I. K. Rradv. Detroit. Mich. 200.00 2901 C'«o. Fhrlich. (on Acct. of lists) Tnrlcahoe. N. Y 40.00 2902 Es'honian Group, through J. Eihua, Phila., Pa 40.50 290S 2904 2905 2906 2007 2909 2910 2911 2912 291S 2914 2915 2916 2917 2918 2919 2920 2921 2922 2923 2924 2925 2926 2927 2928 2929 2030 2931 2932 Chaa. Selwood A Wife, Greeley. Colo. •• ^!*5I Chaa. Kluge, Sac Qty, Iowa 3.00 Finniah Socialiat Branch, Green, Mich ***** V. A. Cams. Los Angeles, Cal. 1.50 F. S. R. Branch. Ansonia, Conn. 189J6 C»ll. by Jamea Eblen, Robard. K^y 29.50 F. S.' R. Branch, Canton, OWo 23.62 Co. by Roaa C. Powell, Eaat Uverpool, Ohio !*•» Leo J. Wydia, Belleville, HL 8.40 Sam A. Harrison, Loa Angelea, Cal 7Ji Coll. by Helge KaUgren, Mln- neapolia, Minn • ••SO Joseph E. Badger, Wife A Chil- dren, Sebaatopol, Cal 4.58 United Mine Workers of Am. Local No. 3574. Klein, Mont. 2.7S Coll. by W. F. Holmea, Farm- ington, N. Mexico 2,50 CoU. by Ig. Huth, Cleveland, O. 1.50 Henry Roeme, Ithaca, N. Y 1.00 H. E. Sawdon, St. Elmo, Tenn. 1.00 Coll. by Paul A. Knerr, San- dusky, Ohio 2-00 F. S. R. Branch, Chicago, 111. 2,000.00 F. S. R. Branch, Schenectady, N Y •...• 550.00 F.' S.'r. Branch. N. Y 394.22 Coll. by Stephen T*ylor, Wolf Pt., Mont W.Ot F. S. R. Branch, Branch, SeatUe, Wash 28.00 Mra. F. E. Fick, Cleveland, O. 25.00 Wm. Shaughnessy, Mans&eld. O. 25.00 F. S. R. Branch, Bay City, Mich. 21.00 Nat. Slovak Soc. Aaaembly 443, Ambridge, Pa 20.0t J. R. Reen, Portland, Ore.... 10.00 H. S. Brown. Evanaton, 111... 10.00 Dr. Philip Hillkowita, Denver. Colo W.Ot Christianaen. Mallen, L. I WOO Rodman Barker. Phila., Pa S.OO Chaa. Yagar, N. Y 5.00 Coll. by C. A. Hoffman. Miamla- burg, Ohio 5.00 John Devine. Cleveland, Ohio 5.00 Adolph Fergin, Detroit, Mich. 5.00 Coll. by W. H. Boyd, Paaco, Wash 5.00 J. E. Scobba. Camaa. Wash... S.OO A. H. Lampe, Breckenridge, Colo 2-W Thoa. Brozenich. MIdvale, Ohio 2.00 Marv E. Harrintton, New York 2.00 Theodore R. Wiea. N. Y. City 1.00 F. S. R. Branch. N. Y. City.. 140.00 Ellen Hayes. Wellesley, Maaa. 100.00 Mrs. M. Coffee. Fairvi*^, Mo, 25,00 Fin. Soc. Branch. Weatview, Pittsbnrg, Pa 24.00 Belle Robblna, N. Y. City.... 10.00 Boardman Robinaon, Croton-on- Budaon, N. Y 10.00 Captain A. Rust, Boston, Mass,. 10.00 Louis Retaliate, Ft. Landerdale, Fla 10.00 Coll. by J. H. Parker, CarroU- lon. Mo 8.00 J. B. L U. Local No. 373, John- atown, N. Y 5.00 Leo L Kerb, Cleveland. 3.00 Mrs. Mary Frey, N. Y. City.. 2.00 Jeannette A Benjamin Classberg, BroaUyn, N. Y 5.00 Coll. by Pablo Anceaume, N. Y. City 14-2S Mary Graber, Philadelphia. Pa. 5.50 F. S. R. Liih. Section, Brooklyn. N. Y 1.942.08 F. S. R. Lith. Section, Brooklyn, N. Y 757.83 Coll. by Rev. L. J. Andcraon, Boaton. Maaa. 7.25 Mary Norton. Chicago. Ill 5.00 Alex Pennamen, Spirit Lake, Ida 5.00 Cancelled. Receipt No. 3105 issued (5000.00) F. S. R. Branch. Chicago, 111. 1000.00 F. S. R. Branch, San Franciaco, Cal 780.00 S. T. A. S. R., Genera] Bureau, N. Y 500.00 Belle S. Van Canteren. Loa Angelea. Cal 23.01 Coll. br Samuel Bemhard, Brooklyn, N. Y 20.00 2933 Louia* 2934 3935 2936 2937 2938 2939 2940 2941 2942 2943 2944 2945 2946 2947 2948 2949 2950 2951 2952 2953 2954 2955 2936 2957 2938 2959 2960 2961 2962 2<>6S 2964 2965 2966 2967 2968 2969 2870 Digitized by Google Febniary 15, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 103 S9n C«o. J. WUlinaii. N. Y. C... 1S.M 2972 Jacob Le*iae, N. Y. C S.M 2973 F. S. R. Uraach. Newark. N. J. 182.94 2974. Worker* Inunodiate Aid to Sov- iet KuaaU. N. Y. C 147.M 2975 Fioniah Soo. Br., Fitchburg, Maaa. 97.98 2976 F. S. R. Branch. Racine. WU.. 24.42 2977 F. S. R. ^r.p SeatUe. Waab 250.00 2978 Workmen *a Circle Mutual Loan Aaa'n. St. Paul. Minn 25.08 2979 H. U Clark. HighUnd Park. Mich 12.00 2900 Liillian D. Arcbibold. Chieaeo. Ill 10.00 2981 Mr*. F. Hoibroner, N. Y. C 10.00 2982 Chaa. Sturia, Claymont. Del... 8.00 2983 Finniab Soc. Dr. Clinton. Maaa. 10.00 2984 Cbarlotte M. Levy. Newark, N. J « 5.00 2985 C. Serley Lewiaton. Idabc... 5.00 2985 John Saveikat. Loat Creek. Pa.. 5.00 2987 W. S. a D. B. Fund. Br. 211. Elmhurat. L. I.. N. Y 5.00 2968 S. Ealnff. .St. Paul. Minn S.OO 2969 P. S. R. Branch, Tacoroa. Waah. 22.^5 2990 Coll. bv Harry Kuenki. Evana* ville. Pa 21.60 2991 Br. Pottttown. S. P.. Pottatown, Pa 16.50 2992 S. Solomon. Cincinnati. Ohio.. .50 2993 F. S. R. Branch. Providence, R. 1 166.97 2994 Joint R. & Liih Relief Cora., Haverhill. Maaa. 66.50 1995 Louia V. Middlelon. Grand Ra« plHa. Mirh 2,00 2996 Frank J. Flaig. Cincinnati. O... 5.00 2997 Arthur Warner. B'klyn. N. Y... S.OO 2996 Coll. thru Fred Heaae. Muake- gon. Mich 14.50 2999 C. W. Gilman, Poughkeepaie, N Y 11.25 SOOO Mra. W. H. Adama. Stone Mt.. Va 10.00 8001 Mra. F. Meyer, N. Y. C 5.00 8002 P. A. Tinglry. Danville. 111.... 2.00 3003 Vera Samorodin. N. Y. C 10.00 3004 Thru Rev. L. J. Anderaon. Bo*« ton, MaM 1.00 3005 Dr. W. Van Nette. Clyde. Ohio 8.00 8006 A. W. Loucka. St. JohnaviUe, N. Y 1.00 3007 Salomie Jarkson. Floortown, Pa. 1.00 3006 F.. Kiihn. Cincinnati. Ohio 2.00 3009 H. N. Daniela. U Grange. 111.. 100 3010 A. Miinkena. Newark. N. J 1.00 30J1 Cancelled. laaued by miatake r 12.00^ 3012 Loui* Sailing. N. Y. C 5.00 3013 M. M. Lorena, N. Y. C 4.00 3014 Dr. M. G. Arguellea. Ybsr Qty, Fl* 5.00 aOlS W. E. Gilatrap. Cottage Grove, Ore 8.00 8016 Marenu* FHkaen, Caaadero, Cal. 2.00 8017 J. R. Umixan. Knoxvllle. Tenn. 1.00 3018 V. B. of C. J. of A. Local 1620, Rock Spring*. Wyo 25.00 8019 IT. M W. of A.. Local 2516, Rock SpHnga, Wyo 25.00 SOSO FelicU !.ar«nn. TTimty, Minn... 14.00 8021 Coll. by Ales NienI, Ironwaod, Ml-b 10.00 8022 Coll. by Cbaa. Palmlter. Stono- horo. Pa. 6.00 S023 Peter Sommer. Peteraborg, Alaa- ka S.OO 3024 Liaf No. 11811. H. Lockwood. Porteh.-ater. N. Y 1.00 S02S T.i»t No. 11811. thru Udasin Broe. N. Y. C 1.00 3026 List No. 1181. J. Shapiro. Part- che»fer. N. Y l.fO 3027 Liat No. 11811. J. C. Nellasn, Portrhrstrr. N. Y 2.00 8028 Lief No. 11811. 11. Gorkin. Port- ehcuter. N. Y 2.00 3029 On Umt 111*11. J. Tuchin, Port- ehenter. N. Y 3.00 8036 Mav TocMn. B'klyn. N. Y 5.00 3031 Finnish Work, People*a Soc'y., FIv, Minn 62.00 3032 U. M. W. Shiwaasee Local. Sag. Ifiaw. Mich 50.00 3033 Hmnthy Cole. Poogbkeeptie, N. Y 25.00 9094 AH Sac. Christian Lett*. Phila.. Pa 4 15.0d 9035 Hnrid Butt. N. Y. C 10.00 9086 W. i«. A D. B. Fund. Br. 173. N. T. C 5.80 8037 Vina A Neil Stopaon. Riaterville, W. V*. 2.08 20.50 1.25 1.00 l.OO 1.00 IJS 5.25 5.00 50.00 70.00 30.00 10.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 3.00 3.00 3.00 2.00 2.00 44.50 85.12 11.25 .JO 68.50 1.00 2.25 5.00 .50 .50 .50 500.00 3038 Goo. D. Saater. Su LouU. Mo. 2.00 8039 M. C Salter. Kalanaaoo. Mich. 1.00 3040 A. Uraon. Port .\rthur, Tex... 1.00 3041 CoU. by Frank PUtaer, Dayton, Ohio 3042 A. Butterfield. Rnekin. Fla.... 3043 Wra. Glelcbaof. Rocheater. N. Y. 3044 Wro. Guatke. Rocheater. N. Y. 3045 Geo. Swayae, Rochester. N. Y. 3046 Richard Boecker, Rocheater, N. Y 3047 Cha*. Ei»enberg, Rocheater, N. Y 8048 M. Rothmund. Rocheater. N. Y. 3049 J. Mynhailow. Leichburg, Pa... 3050 F. S. R. Branch. Lowell. Maaa. 3051 f. S. R. Branch. Hanna. Wyo... .V152 Geo. A. Miller. Wakefield, Maaa. 3053 L. Fortin. San Franciaco. CaL 3054 J. E. N3rth. M. D.. Rock Rapida, Towa 3055 Ellen Woodruff. Bninawick. Me. 3056 H. R. Dougherty. N. Y. C 3057 Roae I. Zeltaerman. Chelaea, Maaa. 3058 li. G. Moore. Seatle. Waah.... 3059 A. L. and S. Smith. St. Louia, Mo. 8060 E. Barkenroad, New Orlaan*, I.a 3061 S. Heraknik. B'klyn. N. Y. 3062 Coll. by E. Larenaon, Juneaa, Ala 3063 Lith Worn. Prog. AIL. Bingham- ton. N. Y 3064 Coll. by OtUlia Schriver. Day tona. Fla 3065 W. C. Aahlock. Xenia. Ill 3066 F. S. R. Branch. Minneapolia, Minn 8067 Edith and Ruth Nelaon. Two Harbor*. Minn 3068 J. Merkl. Abiu Spring*. U. 3069 G. F. Sediwy. Brooklyn. N. Y. 3070 F. Marinaro, N. Y. C 3071 F. De Corte. Bklyn. N. Y... 3072 G. White. Harriaon. N. J 3073 F. S. R. Branch. Trenton, N. J. 8074 F. S. R. Branch. Worceater, Maaa. 800.00 8075 Dr. A. B. Herachman. Jeracy aiy. N. J 25.00 3076 F. S. R. Branch. N. Y. C... 1111.00 3077 John Beiaa. List 395, N. Y. C 16.00 3078 L. Overacker. Pongkeepaie. N. Y. 5.00 3079 Mra. F. K. Rupprecht. Green- wich. Conn 8080 F. S. R. Branch, Bellingham. Waah 8081 Coll. by Louia Wilhelm. Port*, mouth. Ohio 3082 W. C Branch No. 257. Bristol. Pa 3063 Coll. by C Ko«trzew*kI, Chicago, m 3084 O. Bodeen. Port Wins, Wia... 3085 Henry Myera. Cariyle Saak. Can. 3086 M. J. K. Blanchard. Stsneham. Colo 3087 Liat No. 12920. Max Hirachberg. N. Y. C 3088 F. S. R. Branch. Bayonne. N. J. 3089 Nat Kaplan. N. Y. C SOOO A. Pitt. Cleveland. Ohio 3091 F. S. R. Branch. Boaton. Maaa. 500.00 3092 U. M. W. of A.. Local No. 493. Nokomia, 111 170.00 3093 Studenta of the Qrcle of Light. Buffalo. N. Y 3094 Employees of Robert J. Pnrdy. Buffalo. N. Y 3095 W. S. A n. Benefit Fund Br. No. 40. Detroit. Mich 3096 F. S. R. Branch. Grand Rapida. Mich 3097 Mra. O. Silverman. Piedmont, Cal 3096 Coll. by Joe Gomberg, Orient, III 8099 Henry H. Sweetland. Brush, Colo 3100 F. S. R. Branch. Kanaa* aty, Kanaaa. 3101 F. S. R. Branch. Rock Springe. Wyo 180.46 8102 List No. 12823 thru J. Zaleakl, Lewlaton. Me 31.50 3103 John Kahl. Armatrong. B. C, Canada _^ .25 8104 L Amter. N. Y. C 10.00 3105 F. S. R. Branch, Toronto, Can. (Canadian 85000.00) 4.700.00 8186 F. S. R. Braneh, Qevelaad. Ohle 500.00 2.00 77.51 89.50 11.20 8.25 1.35 .50 1.00 7.50 300.00 S.OO S.OO 26.00 7.00 25.00 25.00 10.00 5.00 2.00 334.31 8107 F. S. R. Branch, PortUnd, Ore. 850.00 3108 F. S. R. Branch, Muakegon, Mich 100.08 8109 A. T. W. of A., ntchberg. Maa*. 50.00 3110 O. B. U. Juneau. Alaaka 25.00 3111 Panama Canal Workera, Canal Zone 20.00 8112 Liat No. 255 thra Mania Afroff, Bx. N. Y 15.08 3113 Laatera Local No. 1 U. S. W. of W., Lynn. Maa* 10.00 3114 Edmand Kosin*ki, San Diego, Cal 10.00 3115 W. J. Gr*g*on. Aaheboro, N. C 10.00 3116 Dr. John A. Miller, San Fran- ciaco. Cal 10.00 3117 I. Serier, Kennewick. Wash... 10.00 3118 Firat Aid Club. 4tb Grade No. Norwood School. Norwood, Ohio 10.00 3119 John M. Killaugh, Waco. Tex. 5.00 3120 H. E. Van Geldn, HickaviUe, N. Y 5.00 3121 Frank Waechtler. Vanada. Mont. 5.00 3122 Frank J. Roubal. Woodatock, ni 5.00 8123 CuaUve C Hoenea. El Paao, Texaa 5.00 8124 W. S. & D. B. F. Br. No. 137, Adama. Maaa 2.00 3125 Mra. Sabina Zum Brunnen. En- field, Minn 10.00 8126 M. B. Levick, San Franciaco, Cal 5.00 8127 Ceo. A John Pedrick. Scranton, Pa 2.00 8128 S. Claaman. Medford, Maaa. .. 2.00 8129 Edwin F. Callins. Boaton. Maaa. 2.00 3130 L. Paulding. Dea Moinea, la. 2.00 3131 Loia Richardaon. Erie. Pa 1.00 3132 Coll. by C. T. WiUUma. Mur- chinaon, Texaa S.3S 3133 F. S. R. Branch, Qncinnati, Ohio 465.50 8134 F. S. R. Branch. Sioua Oty. la. 98.96 3135 F. S. R. Br.. Spokane. Wash. 112.50 3136 F. S. R. Branch. Paaaaic. N. J. 90.02 3137 Cancelled. Issued by mistake (7.75) 31.18 Leopold Hoffman. Grafton. Ohio 5.25 3139 F. S. R. Branch, Cheyenne, Wyo 6.50 8140 Andrew J. MacDonald. FUt River, Mo 6.35 8141 F. S. R. Branch. Eureka, Cal... 75.00 8142 Frank Uhde. Rutland. Maaa. .35 3143 Moe Levine. Brooklyn. N. Y... .50 3144 Philip Proman. Brooklyn. N. Y. .25 3145 Jake Kurroan. Brooklyn. N. Y. .25 8146 Irving Pollack. N. Y. C .25 3147 Harry Zeriin. Brooklyn. N. Y. .50 8148 S. Cooper. Brooklyn. N. Y 25 3149 E. Bcrger. N. Y. C .50 3150 A. Rothenbcrg. N. Y. C .25 8151 Isaie Cohen. Brooklyn. N. Y... .50 3152 Henry Ginaberc, Bklvn. N. Y. .25 3153 Abe Yudin, Bklyn. N. Y 25 3154 David Cohen, Bklyn. N. Y 1.00 3155 Mack Skyer. B'klyn. N. Y 1.00 8156 laaie Lippman. B'klyn. N. Y... .50 8157 Sylvia Miller. N. Y. C 25 3158 J. Grenadlr. B'klyn. N. Y .25 8159 Abe Hereo. N. Y. C .25 3160 Joseph Cninin. Bklyn. N. Y. .50 8161 Sam Baldcrman, N. Y. C 25 8162 Coll. by H. Joki. Fairbanks. Alaaka 142.00 8163 F. S. R. Branch, Erie, Pa 100.00 8164 Elise M. Badger. Louisville. Ky. 10.00 3165 Arthur D. Monaghan. Wellesley, Maaa. 10.00 3166 Dr. Sidney B. Lery. N. Y. C... 10.00 8167 Emile Klaaea, No. Minneapolis. Minn 5.00 3168 Mra. M. G. Nightingale, Mont- roae. Pa S.OO 3169 Harrv A. Voaborgh, Waraaw, N. Y 5.00 8170 Walter H. Potter. Loa Angelea. Cal 5.00 3171 Coll. by Ch. LIti. Sandnskv. O. 3.00 3172 Coll. by Aubrey B. Bailey. Phlla. P* 8.08 3173 Herman Schwantman. N. Y. C... 1.00 3174 J. B. Retallick. E. Oranire. N. J. 8.00 3175 F. S. R. Branch. CUffslde. N. J. 31.00 3176 W. S. A D. Ben. F. Br. No. 166. Brooklyn. N. Y 5.00 3177 List No. 7870. J. KDstevich. New- port. N. H 66.00 3178 Pac. Coaat Ed. Bureau. Seattle, Waah. 400.00 Digitized by Google 104 SOVIET RUSSIA February 15, 1922. 8179 CoU. by Edw. HU, lUUiuaoo. Mich 22.23 8180 Ldiih Serier, K«unewick. Utah. 5.00 3181 Elis. D. Elder. WorthiDgton, 0. 5.09 3182 W. C. Br. 403. Bklyn. N. Y. 5.00 8183 G. L. Fisher. Jackson. Mich... 2.00 8184 Mr. & Mrs. Ceo. Aspden, Grand* view, Calif 2.00 8185 Mra. M. £. David. San Francia- CO. Cal 2.00 8186 F. S. R. Branch, IndUnapoUa, Pa 300.00 8187 Joa. Lencer. Philadelphia. Pa. 35,00 3188 F. S. R. Branch. Belleville, 111. 20.00 3189 Mary Rose McCord, Quincy, 111. 10.00 3190 Sam Halkala. Hudson. Wyo 5.00 3191 Daniel Hall. Hudson. Wya 5.00 3192 Peter Proas, Bklyn. N. Y 10.00 3193 F. S. R. Branch, Naahville, Ten. 5.00 3194 Carlyle C. Mclntyre, Sierra Madre. Cal 7.00 8193 Belfium Group. New Bedford. Mass 5.00 3196 Coll. by Rev. L. J. Andcraon, Boston, Mats 9.50 3197 F. S. R. Branch. WestviUe. Ul. 66.35 3198 Coll. by Jacob Lake, Mayger, Oregon 60.85 3199 Russian Famine Relief Com., Aa- toria. Oregon 18.50 3200 F. S. R. Branch on Lisu No. 9268.10901. Buffalo. N. Y 13.00 3201 Edna G. Van Nrss. Chicago, m. 2.00 8202 Dr. J. J. McVay, HaverhiU. IUm 2.00 8203 Axel Nummi, E. Waymoutli, Mass 1.00 3204 Coll. by W. H. Spahn. N. Y. C. 1.25 8205 Coll. by H. C. Dicffcnbach, Carl- audt, N. J 3.83 8206 Peter Shauman, N. Y. C 10.00 8207 W. S. & D. B. F. Br. No. 316. BeUeville, 111 10.45 8208 F. H. Conant, Auburn, Waah... 5.00 3209 F. S. R. Branch. Chicago, III. 1,000.00 3210 F. S. R. Branch, Worcester, Masa 250.00 3211 F. S. R. Branch, Rockford, HI. 150.00 3212 F. S. R. Branch. Grand Rapida, Mich 145.00 8213 Croatian Frat. Ben. Asan, Pitta- burg. Pa 100.00 3214 F. S. R. Br., Maynard, Mass. 44.00 8215 August Mackie. Enaville. Idaho 25.00 3216 List No. 37728 E. Miaher. Auburn, N. Y 10.00 8217 W. S. a D. B. F. Br. No. 18. N. Y. C 6.00 3218 Bayard Boyesen. Athol. Mass. 5.00 3219 F. S. R. Br., E. Chicago. 111. 11.00 3220 Chaa. Bematock. N. Y. C 5.00 3221 Nellie Higman. WatsonviUe. Cal. 50.00 8222 F. S. R. Branch, MinneapoUa. Minn 35.00 8223 Coll. by J. Kriaaman, Haynes, N. Dakou 34.08 3224 Coll. by Mika Kronholm. Bryant. Wash 26.00 3225 Mrs. F. E. Dooley, Alaacadero. C«l 25.00 8226 Margaret Tucker, Newton, Maaa. 15.00 3227 Samuel Comfeld. Phila., Pa... 10.00 3228 C. H. Tabor. Kingaman. Aria. 10.00 3229 Coll. by L Putnam. Templeton. Cil 8.00 3230 Kurt Sell. Walled Uka, Mich. 8.00 3231 Meul Poliahera Int. Union Loo. No. 35. Hartford. Conn 2.00 3232 A. C. Roegner. Troy, Mich..... 1.50 3233 Creek Socialist Union. N. Y... S7.S0 3234 Coll. by Anton Dickley, So. Royaltson. Masa 80.45 3235 diarlea rWay. Oak Park. 111... 1.00 3236 A. T. Jenninga. San Antonio. Teaaa l.OO 3237 F. S. R. Branch, Detroit. Mich. 500.00 3238 F. S. R. Branch, San Franclaco. C«J 400.00 3239 F. S. R. Branch. Boston. Masa. 400.00 3240 F. S. R. Branch. ManaBeld. O. 40.00 3241 Workera* Club, Mullan, Idaho 20.00 3242 Ida E. Riebenkam, Lancaater, N. Y 10.00 3243 Caapar Wallpe. Elk. Cal 2.00 8244 H. B. Alexander. Stanford Uni- versity. Cal 1.00 3245 L*Union Franco- Beige, Lawrence, Masa. 188.60 3246 Order of R. R. Scleg, St. Louia, Mo ei.58 3247 F. S. R. Branch, Virginia, Minn. 11.77 3248 Louia Parrish, Belleville. 111. .50 3249 Walter Fricrdicli, Ballevill*. lU. 1.50 3250 P. Pnnraala, Onurio. Canada 11.28 3251 L. Acrea A G. Velga. Oaaa Lake» B. C. Canada 6.58 3252 F. S. R. Branch. Vancouver, B. C, Canada 236.66 3253 Mr. & Mra. B. Lynch, Grand Junction. Colo 5.00 3254 Coll. by J. TuomaU. ChaaaeU. Mich 17.05 3255 CoU. by W. L. Forreat. Janea- ville, Wia 10.00 3256 H. Klattake, Sacramento. Cal. 5.00 3257 Liat No. 9852. G. Farnaworth, Wadaworth, Ohio 5.00 3258 Coll. by A. Boudreau, Attleboro. Maaa 2.00 3259 John Hinea. Wapella. Ill 2.00 3260 United Society; Srobobran Sloga, Pittaburgh, Pa 100.00 3261 Ust No. 2801-5, F. S. R. Br., Nanticoke, Pa 145.06 3262 F. S. R. Branch. N. Y. C 1.130.80 3263 F. S. R. Br-nch on lisU. San Diego, Call 50.00 3264 W. S. & D. B. F. Br. No. 102. San Franciaco. Cal 10.00 3265 G. A. Brown. CecilviUe. Cal... 2.00 3266 Esthonian Publ. Soc'y. N. Y. C. 60.50 3267 Ethel Brook Sanford, Oakland. Cal 1.00 3268 Louia Benaou. N. Y. C 50 3269 A. Umi. Duluth. Miun lO.OO 3270 Nat KapUn. N. Y. C 3.00 3271 W. S. & D. B. F. Br. No. 246. Ridgefield Pk., N. J 2.00 3272 Oscar Carlson. Yoman. Waah. 2.00 3273 United Caechoalovak Org. of Am. Chicago, ill 1.359.00 3274 F. S. R. Branch. SeatUe. Waah. 1.000.00 3275 F. S. R. Branch, Waahington, D. C 575.00 3276 List No. 9833, G. Breckerl, Cliff- side, N. J 7.00 3277 CoU. by J. E. Downs, Fairbanks. Alaaka 52.00 3278 Coll. by J. W. Stone. Latoac«. AUaka 40.00 3279 F. S. R. Branch, Milwaukee. Wia 15.50 3280 List No. 15062, Walter J. Con- arty, Hammond. Ind 6.00 3281 List No. 6653. W. NevaU. Con- neaut, Ohio 5.50 3282 Mra. Meina. Dundee. Oregon.. 5.00 3283 Edmund Tremblay, Salem. Maaa. 5.00 3284 Felix Sper, B'lyu. N. Y 5.00 3285 Jamea S. Robertson, St. Paul, Minn 5.00 3286 Coll. by E. Sarin. Schoharie, N. Y 3.50 3287 E. A. Sandera. Cincinnati, O. 3.00 3288 John Neblin. Hint. Mich 3.00 3289 Joa Ramapott, San Franciac*. Cal 2.50 3290 Mrs. Van dar Zee; San Francis- co, Cal 2.50 3291 Alex Duncan, Detroit, Mich 2.00 3292 F. S. R. Branch. Superior. Wis. 375.00 3293 Russian Ed. Club. Lynn. Mass. 135.00 3294 Hartford Womrn'a Relief for the Hungry Children of Russia Hart- ford, Conn 100.00 3295 Joe Zelioaki. Saginaw. Mich... 15.00 3296 Lists No. 12845.'*7 F. S. R. Branch. Ogden, Uuh 8.00 3297 Dr. Rollin S. Myers. San Fran. Cisco. Cal 5.00 3298 W. Romanik. Philadelphia. Pa. 5.00 3299 Geo. Bucrubak. Ignacio. Cal. 5.00 3300 W. E. H. Porter. Hanaboro. N. Dakota 1.00 3301 Ukrainian Workmen's Assn. Her- kimer. N. Y 10.00 3302 F. S. R. Branch, Waterbury. Conn 40.00 3303 Samuel Solomon. Cincinnati. O. .50 3304 Douglas. Jane and EUz.. Mcll- wraith. and Jane and EUx., Counaell. Hamilton. Ont.. Can. 5.00 3305 Frances W. Epley. San Francis- co. Cal 2.00 3306 Geo. D. Sauter. St. Louis. Mo. 1.50 3307 F. S. R. Branch. Milwaukee. Wia 178.07 3308 Dr. E. A. Moore. Boulder. Colo. 3.00 3309 Mary F. Hare, Boulder. Colo. 2.50 3310 Rinn and Archibald, Boulder. Colo 10.00 3311 The Misses Shuns. Boulder. Col. 10.00 3312 John R. Furiong. Baulder. Colo. 3.00 3.'{I3 Mrs. C. Johnson, Boulder. Cols. 2.00 3314 3315 3316 3317 3318 3319 3320 3321 3322 3323 3324 3325 3326 3327 3328 8329 3330 3331 3332 3333 3334 8335 3336 3337 .3338 3339 3340 3341 3342 3343 3344 3345 3346 3347 3348 3349 3350 3351 8352 3353 3354 3355 3356 3357 3358 3359 3360 3361 3362 3363 3364 3365 8366 8367 8368 8369 8370 3371 8372 8373 3374 8375 8376 3377 3378 3379 J. C. BcBride, Boulder, Colo. 5.00 A. A. Parkhurat. Boulder. Colo. 10.00 E. E. Brown, Boulder. Ohio.. 5.00 Anna Morry Hunter. Boulder, Colo 10.00 Lixaie M. Tru, Boulder, Calo. S.OO C. E. Snyder. Boulder, Colo. 10.00 W. H. H. Music, Boulder, Colo. 2.50 Anna Belle Morris. Boulder. Col. 5.00 F. S. R. Br.. Centralia. Wash. 32.04 List 10287. Finnish Soc. Club, Abedeen, Wash 66.75 List No. 10288. Industrialist Sup- porting Club, Aberdeen, Wash. 34J9 F. S. R. Br.. Kirkland. Wash. 20.61 F. S. R. Branch, Tacoma. Waah. 57.50 F. S. R. Br.. PorUand. Ore. 100.00 List No. 10292. Axel Strsm. WiUiston, N. D 56.83 List N» 10293. WilUam Kane, Minot, N. D 24.00 Ust No. 10294, C. L. M.. Grand Forks. N. D 3.45 F. S. R. Branch. Minneapolis, Minn 25.00 List No. 10296. F. S. R. Branch, St. Paul, Minn 60.68 F. S. R. Branch, Indianapolis, Minn 38.00 F. S. R. Branch. Indianapolia, Minn 8.88 List No. 10299. F. S. R. Br., Tiffin, Ohio 22.43 F. S. R. Branch, Cincinnati. O. 50.00 F. S. R. Branch. Chicago. 111. 40.00 Cancelled. Issued bv mistake (25.00) Ust No. 12227. F. S. R. Brsnch. Superior, Wis 15.08 List No. 12228. F. S. R. Branch. Duluth. Minn 20.00 Cancelled. List No. 12229. F. S. R. Brauch, Two Harbors. Mich 1S.08 Ust No. 12230. F. S. R. Branch. Hibbing. Minn 10.95 List No. 12231. F. S. R. Branch, Oisholm, Minn. 10.06 I. A. of M.. Oakland Lodge. Oakland. Cal 20.08 W. S. & D. B. F. Branch No. 64, Providence. R. 1 10.00 Dr. E. F. German. Anchorage, Alaska lO.Ot G. P. GriSihs. Ancboraga. Alask. 2.58 Coll. by C. Konkly. Detroit. Mich 8.08 Mrs. J. G. Dutcher. Davenport, Iowa 1.00 Mrs. S. T. Braman, Tampa. Fla. 1.08 Mrs. E. C. HiU, Tampa, Fla... 1.00 Coll. by M. Sookup. Neffs, Ohio 16.28 List No. 2791. W. N. Paiteraan. Zaneaville, Ohio 10.00 Coll. by Mrs. O. E. Julian, Ferndale. Wash iJO J. H. Steele. Philadelphia. Pa. 5.08 Andrew Mattson. BelHngham. Wash S.Ot Edith Berkman. Chicaco. lU. 5.08 Thos. S. McMillen. SalinevUle. Ohio 6.08 Philip La Manna, Waahington. D. C 3.08 Chariea Morris. Portland. Me... 1.00 Mikel Swirbul, Priredale, Pa. 1.00 Coll. by A. Friese, B'lyn. N. Y. 7.00 F. S. R. Branch. Seattle. Wash. 162.60 F. S. R. Branch. Erie. Pa... lOO.Ot Liats No. 7122-23, A. Huff, Easton. Pa 3.48 List No. 5230, N. Crouse. Brook- lyn. N. Y 8.74 E. E. Phillips. Cedarhurst. L. I.. N. Y 5.00 F. S. R. Lithuanian Section, Brooklyn. N. Y 2.186.39 F. S. R. Branch, Gilbert, Minn. 10.00 F. S. R. Branch. St. Paul. Minn. 4.14 F. S. R. Branch. Minneapolis, Minn 50.00 F. S. R. Branch. Mason City, la. 10.00 F. S. R. BrancJi, Sioux City, la. 30.00 F. S. R. Branch. Rock Springs. Wyo 40.00 F. S. R. Branch. Salt Lake Gty. Uuh 13.00 F. S. R. Branch. Hanna. Wyo. 22.75 F. S. R. Br., Cheyenne. Wyo. 15.00 F. S. R. Branch, Denver, Colo. 68.75 ToUl for January $53,287^4 Digitized by Google SOVIET RUSSIA Semi-Monthly Official Organ of the Friends of Soviet Russia Fifteen Cents* March 1, 1922 Vol. VI. No. 4 Will Help Gome? These are the childien who need your aid, as Kizil ZdanoTich, an Armenian artist^ draws them for a Tiflit •xpofiition. The National Offica of the Friends of Soviet Russia, 201 Weat 13th St., New York, is ready to receivi yoor contributions. Digitized by Google SOVIET RUSSIA Vol. VI March 1. 1922 No. 4 lMU«d Twice a Month at 110 West 40th St., New York. Edited and Published by Jacob Wittmer Hartmann. Snbacription Rate: $2.50 per annum. Entered at aecond clasa matter January 29, 1921, at th« Poet Office at New York, N. Y., under the Act of March 3, 1879. TABLE OF CONTENTS Pace The Ninth Sotiet Congress on FAinNS 106 The Famine and the Foreign Powers, by Paxton Hibben 108 Propaganda Against Russian Relief, by Paxton Hibben Ill Famine Relief by the Workers, by Edgar T. Whitehead 113 Fedor Dostoievsky, by Kurt Eisner 115 Page How the Soviet Government Works: IV. The All-Russian Congress of Soviets 118 Editorials 120 The Changed World Situation, by Leon Trotsky 122 Supplies Sent to Russia 125 Japan and the Russian Far East, by Max Stryp- yansky 126 Money Contributions, February 1-14, 1922 135 Ninth Soviet Congress on Famine {At the Ninth All-Russian Congress of Soviets a number of interesting speeches were delivered on the subject of the famine. Some of the proceedings in this connection are given below.) Resolution of Thanks to Dr. Nansen THE Congress adopted the following resolution of thanks to Dr. Nansen: *The Ninth All-Russian Soviet Congress, having learned of your noble ef- forts to save the perishing peasants of the Volga area, oflfers you its profoundest gratitude in the name of the millions of toilers of the Russian So- cialist Federated Soviet Republic. The people of Russia will ever cherish in its memory the name of the great scientist and explorer. Citizen Frithjof Nansen, who heroically broke through the eternal ice of the silent North, but was yet powerless to overcome the boundless savagery, rapacity, and heartlessness of the capitalist Powers.'' Foreign Governments and the Famine M. Sosnovsky reminded the Congress of Colonel Wedgwood's statement in the House of Commons: **Had the British Government given for famine re- lief even half of the sums they wasted on help for Denikin and Kolchak there would not have been one case of hunger death in Russia." He pointed out that all the various capitalist Governments and organizations had contributed £10,750,000 for famine relief, while the Allied Governments spent up to April, 1921, £180,000,000 on maintaining an army of occupation in Germany. How much was spent by them on the armies of Denikin, Kolchak, Wrangel, and the Archangel Government it was impossible to say, but the sum must have been enormous — and that money was spent on bringing death and destruction to the Russian people. Sosnovsky contrasted the liberality with which the capitalist Governments had financed the White armies with their meanness in famine relief. When it is a question of helping the Russian peo- ple the capitalist Powers reckon in a cold calcu- lating manner the question of profit and loss, not caring that death is daily taking its dreadful toll. M. Sosnovsky referred to the situation in countries like the United States and Argentine, where grain is being used as fuel while the people of Russia are dying for lack of bread. Kalinin's Report. Kalinib, the Chairman of the Congress and of the Central Famine Relief Conunission, gave a full report of the famine situation and the relief meas- ures in progress. He reminded the Congress that famine is not a new thing in Russia. Within twen- ty years there were four great famines, those of 1891, 1898, nad 1911, while famines on a compar- atively small scale are a permanent feature of the peasants' life in Russia. It is not surprising that famine should have oc- curred in 1921. Since the beginning of the war in 1914 agriculture in Russia began to decay. Wo- men were replacing men who had been mobilized, but the number of able-bodied workers was con- stantly decreasing, great quantities of cattle were slaughtered, agricultural machinery and imple- ments were getting worn out and could not be re- placed. During the years 1918-1920 Red and White ar- mies constantly crossed and recrossed the area which is at present suffering from famine condi- tions. As early as 1920 the harvest failed in five provinces, and the Government had to supply re- lief; but in 1921 the number of people officially registered as suflfering from the famine conditions is twenty-two millions, and there are about five millions more who are very hard hit The first duty of the Central Relief Commission was the supply of seed for the autumn sowing. Hardly had this work been accomplished when the campaign began for the spring sowing. At present seed is being collected, cleansed, and trans- ported in order to be ready when the time for sow- ing comes. The attention of the Central Relief Conmiission was also directed towards the organization of food centers in the famine area for feeding the starv- ing population. With all the available resources of Russia it is, however, only possible to provide for the feeding of an average of 2,250,000 people per day. The plan of feeding was worked out in Digitized by (^oogle March 1, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA 107 conjunction with the Commissariat for Food, and was put in operation from October 1, 1921. The plan, as shown below, covers the supply of a number gradually increasing from 500,000 in October, 1921, to 3,250,000 in March and April, 1922, and terminates in June, 1922, as the next harvest should be ready in July. 1921 Number of people to be fed Month Children Adults Totals October ... 375,000 125,000 500,000 November . 750,000 250,000 1,000,000 December . 1,125,000 375,000 1,500,000 1922 January . . . 1,500,000 1,000,000 2,500,000 February .. 1,500,000 1,500,000 3,000,000 March .... 1,500,000 1,750,000 3,250,000 April 1,500,000 1,750,000 3,250,000 May 1,500,000 1,500,000 3,000,000 June 1,500,000 750,000 2,250,000 The f ollovring quantities of foodstuffs have been •et aside for carrying out the relief scheme: — Name of To be used To be used Total foodstuffs for children for adults (tons) (tons) (tons) Grain 70,313 28,125 98,238 Groats 28,126 7,501 35,627 Meat 35,160 28,123 63,282 Potatoes ... 46,876 112,501 159,377 Other rooU. 52,736 56,251 108,987 Salt 3,128 3,753 6,881 Sugar 2,350 — 2,350 \ It was, however, obvious from the start that the calamity was so extensive that all the resources of the Soviet Government could not cope with it, and the co-operation of the whole nation, as well as of foreign countries, was invited. Up to December 1, 34,(X)0 tons of grain and 10,000 tons of other foodstuffs had been collected in the country for famine relief. Small as this contribution is in comparison with the needs, it must be remembered that many have given all they can from their own slender resources. Never be- fore has the Russian people contributed so will- ingly for the relief of famine as the peasants and workers throughout Soviet Russia are doing at present. Up to December 13, 46,700 tons of relief supplies had been received from abroad. This quantity includes medicaments, motor lorries, etc., but there mtist have been not less than 26,700 tons of grain. Resolution on the Famine After the reports and discussion on the famine the Congress adopted the following resolution: **The drought of 1921, which destroyed the crops in large areas of Soviet Russia, has produced ter- rible famine conditions. The economic life of whole provinces and large areas has been de- stroyed, and many dbtricta are threatened with complete extinction. The deep wounds inflicted on Soviet Russia by the attacks of the White armies and by the blockade to which Russia was subjected for three years are responsible for the fact that no agricultural measures could be taken to guard against the calamity, and that Russia was power- less to fight its terrible results effectively. The conditions under which the Soviet Government had to fight the famine were all the more unfavorable because Soviet Russia could expect no serious help from the antagonistic foreign Governments. 'The various famine relief committees set up by the Government were forced to rely at first only on the exhausted resources of Russia. The Soviet Government invited all the organizations of the Russian people to help in the relief cam- paign, and put the whole of the machinery of government at the services of the relief workers. A number of measures were taken, the first and most important being the granting of seeds for autunm sowing. The successful execution of this task had a great moral influence on the population. It stopped the stream of refugees and inspired hope in the population. .They believed now in the possibility of the regeneration of the drought- stricken area. "The Ninth All-Russian Congress of Soviets, having heard the report on the activities of the Famine Relief Commission and on the relief given by the laboring people of Russia decides: "(1) To inform all workers, peasants, and honest citizens, as well as Soviet institutions, that the terrible danger which faces many provinces and threatens the whole of their population, has not yet disappeared; that on the contrary it is becoming more threatening from day to day with the exhaustion of the meagre sup- plies of grain and substitutes which up till now have been available. "(2) To instruct the All-Russian Central Execu- tive Committee to take special measures to extend the work now being done by the People's Commissariats in the famine area, to strengthen their organization in that area and increase the material resources at their disposal for the purpose of the relief cam- paign. "(3) To take all necessary steps to ensure that the People's Commissariat for Food collects and delivers 200,000 tons of grain for feeding purposes and 417,000 tons of seed for spring sowing. "(4) To instruct the Central Relief Commission to consider as its first and most important duty the execution of the measures decided upon at the conference of famine relief committees, and especially of those measures designed to provide a permanent improvement in condi- tions in the famine area; and to bear in mind that it is also necessary to increase the volun- tary collections of money throughout the Digitized by Google 108 SOVIET RUSSIA March 1, 1922 country by a contribution from all business concerns, assessed as a percentage of output, turnover, or profits; and that particular at- tention should be paid to giving increased relief to children, and to the care of children generally, which must be considered as the most urgent duty of the organizations for famine relief. *The Congress expresses its profoundest thanks to the workers of all countries who have come to the assistance of Soviet Russia. In spite of the unemployment and the difficult economic position of the European and American workers, they have given generously to help the starving population of the Volga area. *The Congress notes that the laboring population of Russia appreciates especially the help it has received from the workers of Europe and America. The Congress sees in it an expression of the interna- tional solidarity of all workers. **The Congress notes that the capitalist Govern- ments and the Russian counter-revolutionaries, who up till now have been supported by these Govern- ments, have considered that the Russian famine has provided them with a suitable opportunity to at- tempt the overthrow of the Soviet Government and to make counter-revolutionary plots. At the same time important industrial interests abroad support- ed by their Governments owing to the pressure they are able to put upon them, have considered the famine a suitable opportunity for an attempt to obtain for themselves a predominant economic posi- tion within Russia. **The Congress notes also that the capitalist Gov- ernments have oflPered help on conditions which, if accepted, would mean the abrogation by Russia of her sovereign rights as an an independent coun- try, and would place her very existence in danger. In view of the terrible plight of the famine popula- tion and the necessity for obtaining wider relief the Congress approves the agreements concluded with foreign countries and organizations (A. R. A., Dr. Nansen, etc.). It welcomes these agreements as the first steps towards wider economic relations with other countries. But it also approves of the antagonistic attitude of the Soviet Government to- wards the use of the famine in order to prejudice the interests of the Republic — such attempts as those engineered by M. Noulens. **The Congress expresses its thanks to Dr. Frithjof Nansen, who is nobly endeavoring to ob- tain help for the starving peasants of Russia from foreign countries. It also expresses iti profoundest than^ to the American Relief Administration, which has developed its relief work on so wide a scale, and to all societies and countries who have sent help to the famine-stricken. The Congress instructs the Central Executive Committee, the Council of People's Commissaries, and the Com- missariat for Foreign Affairs to do all they can to obtain further help from abroad. The Soviet Government should be ready to make all conces- sions which are not incompatible with the sovereign rights of the Republic and do not prejudice the country's security from external attacks or infringe upon the fundamental necessities of the economic life of the nation.'* The Famine and the Foreign » Powers By Paxton Hibben {The remarks made by Paxton Hibben at the Luncheon of the Foreign Policy Association^ held at Hotel Astor, New York, on January 21, 1922, are all the more interesting by reason of the fact that they were the occasion for an important correspondence between Mr. Hibben and Mr. Hoover, Secretary of Commerce of the United States, which will be published in Soviet Russia for March 15.) "T^R. Paxton Hibben: Mr. Chairman, Ladies and Gentlemen: I am exceedingly sorry that I cannot present as one of my qualifications to speak to you the fact that I have been in jail. (Laughter). I have never been in jail yet, I am sorry to say (laughter) — but I have hopes. (Laughter.) Now, I agree with almost everything that Mrs. Harrison said, so much so that I am not going to take up at all that line of reminiscence of what I saw in Russia; I am going to leave it with her, disagreeing with her on two points, which I shall state now. I don't find — and it is not at all because I know more about Russia than she does, but perhaps I know more about Communism than she does — I donH find that Russia is now, ever has been or is likely to be for a very long time a Communist dictatorship or Communist anything. I grant yoa that the men who are in charge of Russia are for the most part Communists; but I know that the men who are in charge of the United States ar« Christians, too. (Laughter.) And the second point of disagreement that I have with Mrs. Harrison is about free speech. Now, I went into Russia with no right to go there, I suppose; not from any prohibition by the Russian government — they were very glad to have me come — but because before I could go into Russia my own government took my passport away from me. I was rather cross about this and when I found out, on coming out of Russia, that the gov- ernment had been sending me telegrams about what to do and what not to do while I was in Russia, I went back to the State Department and asked Digitized by (^oogle March 1, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA 109 them how they got that way; I told them, "After you take my passport away from me I will do what I damn please" (laughter) — and I did. Throughout Russia, from one end to the other — and I, also, speak Russian to a certain extent — I found criticism of the present government of Rus- sia rampant. There was no group of Russians about a station or in a tea shop or any place else that were not talking politics very violently and a great many of them, perhaps the majority of them, attacking the present government; but I want you to understand that the criticism was the type of criticism that you hear in any country, that you can hear in this country, where you hear Democrats who are attacking the government of Mr. Harding. It was not that type of criticism which will lead to a revolution in Russia, and for that type of criti- cism — I mean open criticism of the government — there was absolute freedom of speech as far as I could see. Now, the matter which concerns me and which Mr. McDonald says is controversial, the matter which concerns me very distinctly and I think you, too, as American citizens, is the question of our national attitude — our governmental attitude, if you please — toward the present government of Russia and the bearing which the relief now being ad- ministered in Russia has upon that attitude. I happened to be in Russia at the time that the arrangement between the Russian Soviet Govern- ment and the American Relief Administration was effected, and I was there when the first representa- tives of the American Relief Administration arrived in Moscow. I talked about this program of relief with many of the people in the Soviet government and I found that there was a very distinct view about it on the part of the Russians themselves — they were rather dubious about the motives which underly our undertaking relief in Russia. Now, they had had the Friends working in Russia for some years and the Friends had earned the very high regard of everybody in Russia. They had minded their own business and they had effected very excellent relief, on a very small scale of course, and everybody liked them. With the ar- rival of the people of the American Relief Admin- istration everybody began to ask: "What is the big idea of feeding a million children and leaving about 27,000,000 people to starve? What is to be gained by it?*' So with that idea very strong in my mind, when I came back I went to Washington and I had an opportunity of talking with Mr. Hoover and I told him that in my view, which is Mrs. Harrison's view, there was only one really effective relief that could be given to Russia and that was a con- structive relief that would enable the Russians to get on their own feet, and that relief of a very few people in Russia would inevitably lead to the death of a very great many and possibly to another famine next year owing to the lack of production because of the lack of seed-grain and because of the lack of agricultural implements and so on; and I put it very strongly to Mr. Hoover that if we were really sincere as a people or as a govern- ment in trying to get Russia back on her feet, in trying to help the Russian people to help them- selves, that there was one way to do it, and only one, and that was a comprehensive scheme of eco- nomic relief which would put Russia back in position to support herself. And Mr. Hoover re- plied that he was sure that the American people would not do this, that he believed that the Amer- ican people would grant any amount of relief for starving children, but they were not interested ill putting Russia back on her economic feet. I said to Mr. Hoover that I disagreed with him, that I believed that if the matter were put squarely before the American people they would be for the economic regeneration of Rus&ia, and I asked his permission to go out and say frankly what I thought about that and he said, "Go as far as you like; the more you talk about Russia the better people will understand it** And so I am talking n^w quite frankly in opposition to this attitude which Mr. Hoover has taken, in which he may b* right and I may be quite wrong. Now, about this time Mr. Allen Wardwell, who is here, headed a committee for relief called Thto Russian Famine Fund, which went out to gather funds to be used by the Quakers in their relief work in Russia. The Quakers, of course, had been working in a very small way. The idea was to get together $5,000,000 to enable the Quakers to extend their relief, and this committee included a very great many good people, and I was all for it and I think most everybody was for it. An about that time Mr. Hoover came before Congress and asked for $20,000,000 to buy supplies to send to Russia, and he got it; and then diere came ft changed attitude on the part of our government toward this relief business, and it is that that I want to put before you to-day and I think we ought to be cleared up in this matter; because tikii $20,000,000 does not belong to the administration in Washington or to anybody else — it belongs tp you and to me who pay the taxes; we have brought this $20,000,000 into the treasury of the United States Government and we have something to say about how it is to be spent The moment tha^ $20,000,000 was turned over to the American Re- lief Administration there came into the public prints a great deal of talk about the transportation situation in Russia being so bad that nothing more could be handled in the way of relief suppliei except what was to be bought and sent in by the American Relief Administration; in other words, that it would be necessary for Mr. Wardwell's very excellent Committee, the Russian Famine Fund to curtail its work, because even if it did get $5,000,000 it could not send supplies into Russia for the reason that the Russian ports and the Ru9> sian railways could not carry those supplies; and I happen to know that a great many people who inquired of those in authority in the Ainerican Relief Administration were told there was no uM Digitized by Google 110 SOVIET RUSSIA March 1, 1922 of raising more than the $20,000,000 because the additional supplies could not be taken care of by the Russian transportation system. Now, I spent a great deal of time in observing the Russian transportation system and I do not believe that's true; I believe that the people in this country are misinformed. I know that the men who ran one of the railways there told me they could handle 2,700 tons of food every day out of Novorossisk; I know that Professor George Lomo- nossov, who is head of the Russian railways, told me that the railways out of Rostov could handle 2,000 tons of food a day; that makes 4,700 tons of food. I know in addition to those ports there is Nikolaiev and Berdyansk and Sebastopol and Feodosia and Kerch and Odessa and Mariupol, all ports that lead into points on the Volga by rail, all of which could carry a great deal of food supplies. I know also that there is the great Trans-Caucasian Railway that runs from Batum to Baku and which could carry supplies from Batum to the Caspian Sea, where they could be carried up to Astrakhan at the mouth of the Volga. In other words, I am convinced that if one wanted to do it, one could deliver 10,000 tons of food a day to the Volga famine region, and 10,000 tons of food a day would mean the saving of the lives 17,500,000 people instead of 1,250,000 people, who are all that are being fed by the American relief to-day. Now, I respectfully submit to you that there is something upon which we ought to be clear. Is there an effort to concentrate or to limit in any way the relief which is being given by the Amer- ican people to those in Russia who are starving to a small number of people, with the possibility always that those who do not receive relief will become dissatisfied with the present government and overturn the government; and if there is that tendency or that purpose to limit the relief that we are extending to Russia, why is it being so limited and what is the idea behind it? Now, I am im- pugning nobody's motives; I am simply asking this question as one American taxpayer, and I leave it with you to think it over. There is another question which confronts me also and that is whether Russia is to have that peace which Mrs. Harrison says is so essential to any real solution of the Russian problem. I think that that peace depends of course not upon us, because we are not going to make war upon Russia, I take it, but it does depend upon the attitude of the European powers; and with the present change of Government in France, I think we are all asking ourselves what is Monsieur Poin- care's attitude going to be toward Bolshevist Russia? In that connection, a fact which has come to my attention, which has been reported to me, is of interest I have been informed by a diplomat, who is in position to know whereof he speaks, that, on the 21st of last October at Angora, Monsieur Franklin Bouillon, representing the French Gov- ernment, and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Turkish Nationalist Government entered into a secret agreement by which the French were to sup- ply the Turkish Nationalist Government with a hun- dred million francs in gold and with ammunition necessary to prosecute a new war upon Soviet Rus- sia this spring. Now, I have no proof of that; I simply have the word of this diplomat who tells me that he was present at various conferences in Paris in which large French financial interests were represented, and he gives me the name of the man who acted as the paymaster for this little scheme, and he explains to me that the purpose of it — and it seems to me a rather plausible purpose — is to secure for France that oil field just north of the Caucasus Mountains which France has not been able to secure by any arrangement which she has been able to make with the British Government since the Treaty of Versailles. You will recall that at the conference at San Remo, oil played a very large part, and it was so arranged that the Mesopotamian oil fields should be largely — seventy- five per cent., I believe — British owned; and Admiral Chester reported about the Persian oil fields that they were virtually completely under British control. The oil fields of Baku, which were formerly the second largest oil fields in the world, used to belong very largely to the Rothschild in- terests, which are French. In the course of many negotiations which have taken place in the last few years, the Royal Dutch Company, which really controlled that oil field, passed into British hands, and the French have only a very small proportional part in the nomin- al ownership of the Baku oil fields, which of course are actually in the possession of the Soviet Government. That leaves the British in control of all the fields of the Near East, and the French with nothing. If the French arc going to have large battle- ships, or if they are going to have a large fleet of submarines, they must have oil. I am not blam- ing the French. As the world is to-day, it is im- possible for a nation to have a navy without oil, and if the French go into an agreement with the Turkish Nationalist Government by which they expect to be able to wrest from Russia a large oil field, producing something like 2,000,000 tons of oil in 1916, that is a business as business is done to-day, isn't it? But, what does interest me, my friends, is this: that any new attack upon Soviet Russia is going to produce more hardship, is going to drive that distracted people into a further condition of abys- mal despair, and may launch on the world more war and more misery; and it does seem to me that it is an infamous thing that this should take place without somebody trying to stop it Now, I don't know — as I say, I have no documents to prove this; it may be quite wrong — but it does seem to me that we can all profit by bringing it out in the open and having a talk about it and seeing just what the French are at There is another element in the situation, of Digitized ed by Google March 1, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA ill course, which seems to be fraught with danger — and perhaps that is because I have, as Mr. Mc- Donald said, lived a long while in the Near East — and that is, the price which the French, according to my informant, have paid to the Turks for this agreement; for, obviously, the Turks are not doing this for love of the French; they are doing it be- cause they expect to get something themselves, and what they expect to get out of it is, of course, the old thing we have heard so much about, — a vast Mohammedan corridor all the way to India; and they expect to get it in this way. Mind you, that dream has been the dream of a vast number in Turkey and among the Moham- medans for many years. The realization of that dream really enlisted Enver Pasha and Talaat Pasha on the side of Germany in 1914; it was that dream which led the Turkish army to Baku in 1918, after the break-up of the Russian Trans-Caucasian army; it was the realization of that dream, in the fall of 1920, which led the Comroander-in-Cbirf of the Turkish Nationalist Army to invade Armenia, and to try to reach Baku and to hook up Moham- medan Turkey with Mohammedan Azerbaijan to reach all the way to India. In 1920 Russia put her foot down and said: "We will not allow the crea- tion of a vast imperial Mohammedanism in the world to-day." Now, if the Turks have hooked up with the French and expect to hook up Turkey with Azer- baijan and so on around to India, the French getting the oil fields, on the way, out of it, and the Turks finally realizing this dream of a vast imperialistic, militaristic Mohanunedan empire, it seems to me that we are going backward from even such a peace as we have, resulting from the war; and I respectfully submit to you that that is also a matter that we must take up and bring out in the open and talk about Now, my friends, I have talked a great deal about other things; but I want to say one little word about Soviet Russia. When I came out of Soviet Russia, I felt very much like a man who has stepped out of a fairy story. You remember, all of you, that old fairy story about a swineherd's son who married the beautiful princess and who, before he could get her, had to pass through so many trials? You remember he had to pass over the Great Desert where he found all the bleaching bones of the people who had died on their way to the beautiful princess, and how he was guided by this fairy godmother of his, and how he came to the tree where there was the golden apple, and it was guarded by a great dragon; and by the help of his fairy godmother he somehow or other got that golden apple. And then he came to the great mountain of glass. And on top of this moun- tain was the palace with its sweet, cool garden where the princess lived. And it was his fairy god- mother who got him somehow or other to the top of the mountain of glass; and he came at last in that sweet, cool garden were the beautiful prin- cess lived. And the name of that fairy godmother Is Faith. I felt when I left Russia and came back to this world, where everybody is toiling and sweating and getting money, only to give it away; where people are hating one another; where people are driving one another out of work; where there ars those who are great and rich and those who are poor and needy and starving, and where there is only hatred in the world, one for the other, — I felt as though I had come out of a fairy story when I left Russia. And I know and you know, in our hearts, that this thing which those people over there have conceived — this great, wonderful life where we all have a chance of beauty and fulfillment and education and fineness, is a won- derful, wonderful dream. Maybe it can't be. May- be it will only be thousands of years before that great dream comes true. But that dream will come true only if we have faith, only if we believe in fairies, — and I do. (Great applause.) />. Propaganda Against Relief By Paxton Hibben (At the Hunger Banquet arranged by the Friends of Soviet Russia in New York on February 11, Mr. Hibben made the following further reference to the subject of his controversy wi^ Mr. Hoover.) T^HREE weeks ago, at a meeting of the Foreign -■■ Policy Association at the Hotel Astor, I seem to have started something which has assumed amaz- ing proportions. I asked a plain question: "Is there an effort to concentrate or to limit in any way the relief which is being given by the American people to the starving of Russia, with the possibility always that those who do not receive relief will become dissatisfied with the present government of Russia, and overturn that government? And if there is that tendency or that purpose to limit the relief that we are extending to Russia, why is it being so limited, and what is the idea behind it?" We have to-day a categorical answer to that question. The propaganda emanating from Washr ington, from the Department of Justice and the Department of State and the Department of Com- merce, all official departments of our government, which is appearing in the New York Times and, I believe, in the Chicago Tribune, is a definite effort to limit the relief which is being given by the American people to the starving of Russia. The effect of this propaganda is and is intended to be so to impress diose whose generosity of heart might otherwise tempt them to give of their substance to help the starving millions of Russia with the possibility that some of the funds so contributed might be handled by the Soviet Government of Russia, that their giving is at least discouraged if not inhibited. The idea back of this propaganda seems to be to brand every man or woman in the Digitized by Google 112 SOVIET RUSSIA March 1, 1922 United States who dares to save a starving child in Russia otherwise than through the American Relief Administration as a *^red" or an associate of "reds". The New York Globe has stated the logical consequence of this campaign against char- ity and broad humanitarianism : ^The natural consequence of the silly attack up- on various bodies which are collecting funds and food for Russians in the famine areas will be to add to the millions of impotent and innocent vic- tims." Of course this will be the result, and those who have launched this campaign to starve the Russians know it full well. Back in 1919, Mr. Hoover sent a cablegram to President Wilson, referring to an American relief organization then operating abroad, in which he criticized the methods 6f that organization and added that if the facts ^ere to become known the resulting scandal would be a blow to organized charity for a generation — I quote from memory. He proposed, not that that Organization be publicly arraigned in the press, I^ut that men whom he would choose should be placed in control of that organization to reorgan- ize it And it was done. Now Mr. Hoover knew then — and I quote Mr. Hoover now merely as an authority on relief work; certainly there is none greater — that an attack upon one relief organization as inefficient Or incompetent or dishonest would inevitably re- flect upon all relief agencies seeking funds from the public; and as Mr. Hoover was himself then seeking funds from the public for relief work, and did subsequently again go before the public for funds for relief work, he very naturally did not want to do a thing which would inevitably dis- credit all relief. But now it is different. The Amer- ican Relief Administration has received its funds from the Congress — it has no need to make a public appeal. But there are other organizations whose aim is as much the saving of the famine Tictims of Russia as the American Relief Admin- istration — and who impose no conditions whatever upon their relief, save that those to whom food is sent be hungry. They must go to the people of the United States and appeal for funds if they are to save anyone. And this attack on all relief or- ganizations not controlled by the American Relief Administration or not actively hostile to the Rus- sian Government, ties their hands and makes their task, already a difficult one, almost an impossible one. For let no man think for a moment that the American allotment of food for the starving of Russia will meet the need. It will not. Immediate- ly above the article in the Times this morning attacking all other relief agencies not semi-official diere is a London dispatch quoting the American Relief Administration itself as staling that "official request was made by the Soviet Government for further additions to the child feeding program i^ certain Volga districts due to the increasingly terrible conditions in the Volga valley." The Times itself, on December 26, in an editorial placed tlie number of starving in Russia at 15,000,000 and on January 7, quoted President Kalinin of Russia as putting the figure at 27,000,000. By no possibility can the American Relief Administra- tion give to 6,000,000 people even so little as 14 ounces of bread per day until the harvest is in. Who is going to keep the other 9,000,000 Rus- sian farmers from starving? There are 9,000,000 children to feed. If every bit of the American Relief Administration's stock goes to feed children only, there will be something like 3,000,000 children to keep alive until the middle of next August Who will do it? And if this campaign against the relief agencies which are trying to complete the job of saving the millions of starving in Rus- sia, has the effect of curtailing the gifts of the generous people of the United States to save those millions, who is responsible for their needless death? In a letter to me of February 3, Mr. Hoover took exception to what he termed my fear that he would commit murder. I should, myself, have hesitated to put a name to what must be the effect of this propaganda from Washington in which Mr. Hoover himself is so largely quoted. But Mr. Hoover has put a name to it. Let it stand. Understand me; I am throwing no stones at Mr. Hoover. He has got together $47,500,000 for the starving of Russia, and a man who can do that I take off my hat to. For what I am interested in — and what we are all interested in, I take it — is those people over there who have fought the good fight — who have existed for four years in the face of an enemy world — and who now have their backs to the wall, driven into a corner by sheer hunger. I don't want to see them lose that fight; but most of all I do not want to see them lose that fight for the lack of food of which you and I have plenty. And what they have got to understand down in Washington is that the war is over, and all the dark and shady methods of the war — the propaganda and the terrorizing of people into silence — are done with. And that if millions of workers all over this country want to take up the job of feeding the starving of Russia when the supplies of the American Relief Adminis- tration are exhausted — as workers, to help the workers of the only government of workers by workers and for workers in the world — it is no- body's business to interfere. And those who try to interfere are the ones who are making politics out of relief, not those who are trying to feed the starvmg. REMITTANCES Remittances from abroad should be in United States funds only. Drafts on U. S. Banks and Money Orders on U. S. Post Offices should call for payment in dollars, as other forms of payment require much attention and book- keeping, besides causing actual loss of money to this Office. This refers only to payments for this periodicaL Digitized by Google March 1, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA 113 Famine Relief by the Workers By Edgar T. Whitehead {Delegate of the International Workers' Fam ae Relief Committee to the U. S. A. ComradM Whitehead left this country for England on February 17.) (CENTRALIZATION and coordination are the demonstrations were held for famine relief in every large town in Europe and the whole of the wage* for this day, November 7, donated to relief wort At Christmas and New Year great drives wert also held for the benefit of our starving brother^ in Russia, and in Germany especially, a powerful agitation was carried on at this lime. "At Christmai profiteers buy pearl necklaces for their mistresses, but the class conscious worker makes a gift of food for his starving Russian comrades." *The first Christmas present of each worker belongs to tht starving brothers in Russia". "For every worker the love festival (German for Christmas) is a festival of solidarity with his starving Russian brothers". Under such slogans a great action wai carried through, which gripped the wide massa of the workers in a manner never before witnessed. fundamentals of successful organization, and with this in mind the Workers of Europe were unanimous in their desire of international co- ordination of all workers' efforts for the Famine Relief Action. Complete coordination was unfortunately not achieved but it is true to say that the whole Labor Relief Movement in Europe for the starving Volga peasants comes within one of two great frames: that of the International Federation of Trade Unions (the "Amsterdamers") boasting twenty million membership — the right wing, and that of the Workers' International Famine Relief Conunittee (Berlin) — the left wing. The Work of the Workers* International Famine Relief Committee The Workers' International Famine Relief Com- mittee early took its stand on the platform of material aid to the famine sufferers free from all political conditions or considerations. Workers' organizations, both political and industrial, right wing and left wing, were invited to cooperate with the Berlin Conmiittee on this basis, and a very wide response was shown. The province of Kazan was allotted to this com- mittee, and by the beginning of December they were able to announce that no fewer than seven- teen food ships had been sent to Russia under their auspices, that rations were being issued to 225,(X)0 persons in Kazan, that fifteen main dis- Austria Foremost among the work of these national sec- tions was that of the Austrian workers who despite their own terrible poverty and terrible semi-famint conditions contributed weekly one hour's pay per week for the famine funds. This steady and sus- tained method of help brings larger results than any spasmodic or irregular effort can achieve and thirty million of Austrian kronen were speedily collected in this manner. Germany ^ The workers of Germany also showed great ac- tivity and amassed three million marks very rapids tribution centres had been 'established there under ][' /" ^ddition, vast collections of articles to help the direct supervision of trade unionists of the different European countries, Jiat in addition three hundred car-loads of foodstuffs had been delivered to Marxstadt, Saratov, and other centres on the Volga, and that a total sum of 800,000 dollars had been raised by the united efforts of the various national sections. Under the leadership of the Central Committee in Berlin the sections of the Workers' International Famine Relief Committee have carried through a series of successive great drives for relief. The first of these was the initial Famine Week in August, when the whole of the resources of the component organizations, as regards press, speakers, and gen- eral propaganda were devoted to stimulating the relief work. In Britain alone over 1,000 famine meetings were held during this week, including 467 outdoor meetings in London alone. Over a quarter of a million handbills were distributed and special editions of the workers' press, devoted to information about the famine and relief action. The next great drive was in the week of Novem- ber 7, the anniversary of the Workers' Revolution the famine area, of iron goods, tools, nails, warm clothes, boots, children's clothes were made. Cities, towns, and villages, all took their share in this work which reached great proportions, some thous- ands of cases being dispatched from Stettin harbor in this way. The working women formed mending circles to put all gifts of clothes in good repair, and similar working circles were formed by cobblers and carpenters to repair the boots and make the pack- ing cases. Some children's groups collected soap and salt, — both urgently needed in the famine areas, and some even collected rags and bones from door to door to be sold to the marine store dealers for the benefit of the famine funds. Workers in some factories voluntarily worked overtime to supply certain special gifts to Russia, in particular a splendid motor wagon and tractor to aid in the transport work and a motor plough being so donated. Bulgaria The workers of Bulgaria showed such enthus- iasm and class solidarity in providing help for in Russia. During this week huge meetings and their fellow workers and peasants of the Volga thai Digitized by Google 114 SOVIET RUSSIA March 1, 1922 for specified weeks they voluntarily gave up smok- ing and also ceased to shave, so as to donate the money from these sources to the famine fund, in addition to the usual tax on wages. Large numbers of children from the famine areas have been received directly from those regions into the homes of the Bulgarian workers. France In France a great campaign for "A Day's Pay for the Famine Suflferers" was organized under the slogan "We have worked all our life for our cap- italist masters. Let us work one day for the benefit of our brothers dying on the Volga." A fund of jft million francs was speedily accumulated. ^ Holland In Holland the workers* relief action combined with the bourgeois relief committees, and largely aided by groups of artists and intellectuals under the leadership of Roland Hoist soon accumulated £0,000 gulden. The share of the workers' committee from this united Dutch eflfort was administered by the Inter- national Berlin Committee. f. Switzerland The cfiForts of the workers of Switzerland rank probably second to those of no other country. The seven thousand members of the small Swiss Com- munist Party raised such a fund as averaged over twenty francs per member. In addition great collections of clothes and other goods were made and sent through to Stettin. Britain The Russian Famine Fund in Great Britain, affili- ated with the Berlin Committee, has raised over four thousand poimds in cash. The money was sent to Berlin as it could be spent more advantage- ously by the Central Committee. Considerable quantities of jewelry, gold rings and gold and silver watches were donated by workers to this fund to be sold for the benefit of the famine suflferers. Sweden In Sweden the relief action was carried through by the workers with extraordinary energy. By the end of November the Swedish Workers' Com- mittee had amassed 40,000 kronor in cash and 70,000 kronor in goods collections. In addition die purely Communist Committee had collected 110,000 kronor. Additional to these amounts came 26,000 kronor from the Swedish Metal Workers, although the industry was terribly hit by unem- ployment, and a further 85,000 kronor from the trade unions. Three food ships were dispatched to Petrograd by the Swedish section alone, in addi- tion to further assignments of machinery, tools, etc. Norway The workers of Norway who were united behind the Berlin Committee also dispatched their own ship and sent 2,500 barrels of herrings, 100 barrels of medicinal oil, and 500 cases of condensed milk as a first relief. More than 100,000 kronen were quickly raised. Denmca-k A consignment of more than a million tins of condensed milk was early sent by the Danish workers and used in the children's homes and kitchens of the Kazan area. In comparison with the size of the country the efiforts made by the Danish workers reached a high level. Other Countries In Italy, in Spain, in Belgium, in the Argentine, the results achieved by the workers' famine relief organizations affiliated with the Berlin Committee reached good proportions. The work done by the "Friends of Soviet Russia" in America, now also affiliated with the Berlin Committee, is too well known to be described at length in these columns. Suffice it to say that this action of the American workers has amounted to more than half that achieved by all other national sections combined. This is indeed largely due to the high money rate of wages and it is especially for this reason that the ability of American workers and of Americans to help fight the famine is greater than that of all the other national sections combined. That cannot be too strongly stressed. American workers have the power to save more lives among the perishing millions on the Volga than the workers of the rest of the world together. The work of grappling with a natural catastrophe of the vast magnitude of the Russian famine does not end with the actual sending of foodstuflfs for the relief of the famine victims which must continue until next harvest, a further period of six months. The actual saving of the lives of the starving only meets one part of the famine problems. The larger work is the rebuilding of the shattered economic life of the devastated provinces. Seed-grain has to be supplied so that some sort of a harvest grows there for the remnants of the population this year. Ploughs and tractors in large quantities are essen- tial, for all draught animals have been devoured long since. And then come the wider questions of the insistence on full resumption of economic re- lations with the Workers' Soviet Republic and the formal recognition of the Soviet Government by all countries of the world. The question of long term credits or loans will also come into this scheme of economic reconstruction. Competent observers have testified that these famine provinces, comprising the richest land of the former granary of Russia, will be able to fully repay, and more, all the help aflforded them in helping to rebuild their economic life. Until these problems have been successfully dealt with, the fraternal task of the workers of the world in aiding their unfortunate brothers of the Volga will not have been completed. ''The Amsterdamers Work'' The program of the Amsterdamers limited itself to raising a million dollars, which would establish Digitized by Google March 1, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA 115 and maintain ten children's homes, each sheltering a thousand children. The Soviet authorities as- signed the famine province of Chuvash to this com- mittee and 'Grady, of the British Labor Party, was sent as High Commissioner. His report of the existing conditions disclosed a terrible state of affairs in this province, but up to December 4, the date of the Berlin International Famine Conven- tion, no food supplies from these Amsterdamers had reached the famine area. The fact that this Amsterdam organization is controlled by labor leaders who are in receipt of salaries which place them right out of the class of workers, and that economic equality would operate strongly against their class interests, per- haps explains why their action has been conducted with so little energy and initiative. It is, however, to the lasting discredit of these yellow labor leaders that they should have steadily refused to cooperate with other working class ele- ments in united working class famine relief, but preferred instead to allow political differences and prejudices to stand in the way of efficacious and united working class action for the benefit of those dying on the Volga. The actual cash results of the first three months' work of the International Federation of Trade Unions amounted to some fifty thousand pounds, or something less than one and a half cents for each of the tweenty million membership. Such a result for a well established international organization of workers is not very inspiring and there is little doubt but that much more would have been achieved by these "Gompersites of Europe" had they accepted the call to cooperate in famine relief work with other sections of the international proletariat Conclusion In conclusion it cannot be too strongly stressed that the Workers' International Famine Relief Com- mittee is interested in one problem and one prob- lem only — to bring help and succor to the perish- ing millions on the Volga. It cannot be too strongly stressed that our administrative, supervisory, and distributive machinery, both outside and inside Rus- sia, stands second to no other organization in the world. It cannot be too strongly stressed that the Workers' International Relief Committee, and its section, the "Friends of Soviet Russia", does not divert any part of its funds in propaganda or any other channel, that the overhead charges of the Central Conmiittee amount to less than one-half of one per cent and of most national sections to less than five per cent It cannot be too strongly stressed that the Workers' International Famine Relief Committee has its own area inside the famine district, and works apart both from the Hoover Administration and all other relief administrations. And finally it cannot be too strongly stressed that urgency to stem the already frightful death roll calls for the united and sustained efforts of the workers of all countries. Fedor Dostoievsky {Born October 30, 1821, Died February 9. 1881) By Kurt Eisner {Kuri Eisner, a brilliant German publicist, was a prominent member of the Socialist Party; during the war he took a stand similar to that of Liebknecht, He was the leader of the Revolution in Bavaria and his assassination by a monarchist on February 23, 1919, was the immediate prelude to the formation of the Bavarian Soviet Republic.) A BOUT the middle of the eighties of the last '^^ century, at the moment when the young natur- alistic school of Germany was breaking its way into literature, Fedor Dostoievsky's chief work. Crime and Punishment, was much read and was exerting a powerful influence. This Russian novel was written and published in the original when the representatives of the "youngest" Germany were born, in the year 1867. When they entered the universities, Raskolnikov began to live in them, for in a way they had grown up together with him. In the literary productions of this agitated period of German letters, Raskolnikov's influence may often be noted. The bourgeois declasses met with sympathetic views in Dostoievsky's uncanny and fateful novel, which depicts the destiny of a brain. The soil that had been socially bequeathed to them was disappearing under their feet; their mythologi- cal traditionary faith was gone; a social conscience was stirring painfully; revolutionary ideas dominat ed them vaguely and amorphously; they cuhivated les grandes passions, which are after all but pettj aberrations; they longed for a mighty lawlessnesi to shatter all values; they beheld in raptures tht rosy dawn of a millennial kingdom, to which they, however, rendered no service; they felt at bottom that they were only clanking their chains, that they were purposeless and superfluous, mere observers of the sober, active world. They delighted in in- toxicating themselves with Raskolnikov's psycho- logy. They had the lust of youth to descend into a chaos of a consciousness stirring with elementary emotions, disorderly in its moods of thought, to bore their way into the wilderness of the ego in ferment, to expose themselves in hidden weak- nesses, lies, treacheries, to be their own detectives. Youth delights in listening inward, in following the contortions of a psychosis; every newly discovered Digitized by Google 116 SOVIET RUSSIA March 1, 1922 intimate detail seems to it as an important revela- tion. The maturing spirit gradually loses its in- terest in that which b merely psychological, and learns that these nine-days' wonders are no more than recurrences of the ever-recurring, the unalter- ible, inevitable fact, and that this psychological ^go is nothing more or less than the primeval linchanged human beast that has hardly any new revelation of value to offer, and after the fruit- less years of psychological brooding there follows an active period of clear, creative and fruitful thought and action, the true and only vehicle of mankind's evolutionary development Crime and Punishment b a dangerous book for the young. Raskolnikov's diabolic power is de- itructive, and may easily bend and break them that are weak. It b a creation of the night, of nervous phantasm; the corroding naturalism of Insanity blazes in it n. The tremendous Utopia which b the form Rus- sia assumes in our eyes gives birth to the monsters eal largely or chiefly to Communists and Communist sympathizers, and that the Friends of Soviet Russia, because a large number of their contributors are alleged to be Communists, are so tainted with the Communist virus that it would be wrong for them to collect funds to feed a starving population if thereby the Government which that population has been defending for five years would be continued in power. Writing for the Friends of Soviet Russia, we cannot say that we consider our relations with the Soviet Government to be too close, nor that the assistance that our relief supplies give to the Soviet Government is so excessive or inspiring as to cause alarm to statesmen in America. As a matter of fact, we are not nearly in such close commimication with the Soviet Government as is the American Relief Administration. With one hundred American employees, the American Relief Administration is distributing enormous quantities of foodstuffs in Russia. It would be difficult to believe that these are the only workers employed in this gigantic enterprise by the American Relief Administration. As a matter of fact, thousands of Soviet workers support the activities of the Ameri- can Relief Administration at every step, and Soviet commissars are attached to every distributing centre and travel with every consignment of American Relief Administration food on the Russian rail- roads. How different is the case with the Friends of Soviet Russia, who simply hand over food to the Worker's Aid Foreign Committee {Auslands- komitee der Arbeiterhilfe) , without the compli- cated liaison work which is necessary betw'een the American Relief Administration and the authorities of the Soviet Government. Furthermore, the Amer- ican Relief Administration, in its eagerness to act only in accord with the desires of the Soviet Gov- ernment in the distribution of food, had one of its representatives (Brown) sign an agreement at Riga with a representative of the Soviet Govern- ment (Litvinov), which was reprinted in many places, and which puts the American Relief Ad- ministration definitely on record as not opposed to negotiations with the Soviet Government, except when they are conducted by other relief organiza- tions than the American Relief Administration. • • • npHE Friends of Soviet Russia collect money with ^ which to purchase food to be distributed by an international workers' organization in Russia. They have spent this money only for the purpose mentioned and for the publicity necessary to raise more money. They have never received money from the Soviet Government for the making of such purchases of foods. The American Relief Admin- istration has received such money, in fact, we un- Digitized by Google March 1, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA 121 derstand the American Relief Administration is spending $10,000,000 of the Soviet Government's money in the purchase of seed-grain at the instruc- tions and in accordance with specifications fur- nished by that Government We do not object to this co-operation between the American Relief Ad- ministration and the Soviet Government; in fact, we have every reason to desire that this co-opera- tion may prosper and redound to the great advantage of the Soviet Government, but we merely mention it as a type of relation with the Soviet Government to which Mr. Hoover raises no objection. We might add that on the very day Mr. Hoover's campaign in the press against ^^rival" relief organizations was inaugurated (February 9), his representatives in Minneapolis made an exceptionally large pur- chase of seed-grain out of the $10,000,000 &ey are spending by instruction of the Soviet Government. Of course the reader will understand that it is with regret that we attach to Mr. Hoover's name the odium of a relation with that Government, but as his relation with it is so real and tangible and our own so spiritual and tenuous, it seemed not un- reasonable to draw the comparison between the American Relief Administration's relations with the Soviet Government and the relations of the Friends of Soviet Russia with that same Government • • • 1^ P. Dawson, reviewing Stephen Graham's ^ ^ • Europe— Whither Bound?, in the New York Globe of February 4, agrees with the sympathy ex- pressed by Graham for the many Russian refugees in foreign countries, and finds the lot of these refugees particularly sad when she recalls that Lenin makes humorous speeches, and that 'Trotsky looks fine in his military uniform". But Trotsky seems to take his new honors, including his new uniform, quite democratically, for we read in the New York Times of January 28 that after visiting the im- provised studio of an American cinema operator, who filmed him 'Vorking at his (presumably the operator's) desk", the great man "pulled on his heavy military overcoat, gave a firm handshake to everyone, including the electrician and a housemaid who had come to open the door, and was oflf in his auto a second later. The whole business had taken exactly six minutes." But it may be difficult to satisfy N. P. Dawson. Perhaps the difficulty is that Trotsky's uniform is worn by a revolutionary general who helped de- throne capitalism in Russia, while the unhappy Russian refugees who are selling their last posses- aions on the streets of Constantinople and Athens are dispossessed counter-revolutionists. We do not like to be hard on Miss Dawson, but may be the idea of exiled Russian revolutionists leading a life of starvation abroad before the Revolution was not so offensive to her, and maybe the handsome uni- forms of Tsarist generals, or their American paral- lels, did not offend her eye so much as the relatively simple dress of Trotsky. It makes a lot of differ- ence whose dog is hit /^OL. Andrew Kalpaschnikoff, Secretary of ^^ the Russian Embassy in Washington under the old regime and Prince Lvov who was head of the Provisional Government immediately after the downfall of the Tsar in 1917, seem both to be greatly interested in Russian relief according to news items appearing in 'the N. Y. Times of Feb- ruary 18, but only to the extent that N. P. Dawson expresses in her review of Stephen Graham's book, i. e., they are interested only in Russians outside of Russia. To reactionaries of Kalpaschnikoff's type even the work of Secretary Hoover's American Relief Administration is not completely acceptable, for this assistance does after all go Russians inside of Russia. After praising the work of the American Relief Administration, in a speech delivered on February 17 at the Hotel Plaza, New York, Colonel Kalpaschnikoff outlined the following simple method of helping Russia out of her difficulties. The famine seems not to play a prominent part in Colonel Kalpaschnikoff's reflections on Russia. "But the only certain . way of establishing the idealism for which this great country stands is by educating the youth of Russia. If America really wants to help Russia she will bring students here and teach them new ways that they know not now. It would only cost $2,500 a student, and several thousands or even millions spent in that way would do much more than the millions spent for other aid. Five thousand could be brought here for the cost of one cruiser. If this is not done, it may cost this Government many more cruisers— if the German spirit is to prevail." Lest our readers fail to understand what the Colonel is driving at, we hasten to add, from the same issue of the Times, that it is the Colonel's conviction that the Russians are being ^^pulled by two opposing forces — the German imperialist and the American idealist". In general. Colonel Kal- paschnikoff has great fears of the consequences of this ^^German influence" on Russia. We had thought that German propaganda stories were about played out, but may have to reconcile our- selves later with a condition of affairs in which the Friends of Soviet Russia will be represented by hostile circles as an instrument devised before the collapse of the German Empire in 1918 for the reestablishment of that empire at a later date through activities to be conducted in Russia after the food contributed to Russia by the Friends of Soviet Russia shall have handed over the entire country to the control of the Workers' Aid Move- ment, Foreign Committee. And the history of relief organizations has a number of examples of the use of such bodies for political ends, which will give the story some plausibility. • • • TPHE Friends of Soviet Russia are now sending •'• donations of clothing with the assistance of an expert organization in this field. Such donations of clothing should be addressed to "Friends of Soviet Russia, c/o Export Service of America, 80 Front Street, Brooklyn, N. Y." and should bear in addition the words: "Jay Street Terminal". To save forwarding expenses, do not ship in wooden cases, but sew up in burlap. Digitized by Google 122 SOVIET RUSSIA March 1, 1922 The Changed World Situation By Leon Trotsky (The second instalment of Trotsky's brilliant study on the altered equilibrium of capitalism is printed below. It paints the picture of France and Germany, under the new conditions. The next in- stalment, which will appear in Soviet Russia for March 15, will describe the situation in England and America.) Europe* s Economic Decline in Figures T ET us attempt to measure the fact of the trans- fer of the economic center of gravity, and the proportions of Europe's economic decline, in actual figures, though they be only approximate. Be- fore the war the national wealth, i. e., the total possessions of all citizens of the countries partici- pating in the war, was about 600 billion gold dollars. The annual income of all these countries, i. e., the sum of the products turned out by them ,each year, amounted to 85 billion dollars. How much has the war consumed and destroyed? No more and no less than 300 billion gold dollars, i. e., exactly one-half of what all the belligerent countries had accumulated in all their history. Of course the war expenses were defrayed first of all by current income. But if we assume that the national income of each country decreased only one-third as a consequence of the great cessation of labor, and consequently amounted to only 56 billion dollars; and if we further assume that the non- war expenditures amounted to 55 per cent, of this, we arrive at the conclusion that the new national income would not serve to cover more than 25 billion gold dollars of the war expenditures. In the four years of war this will amount to 100 bil- lion gold dollars. Consequently the lacking 100 billion dollars must have been defrayed at the expense of the fundamental capital of the belliger- ent countries, and particularly, by the failure to restore their production apparatus. It follows that the total wealth of the belligerent countries at the end of the war was no longer 600 billion gold dollars, but only 400 billion, i. e., one-third less. But not all the countries participating in the war were impoverished to the same extent On the contrary, there were among the belligerents — as we shall see later — even such countries as became wealthy through the war, such as the United States and Japan. In figures this means that the European countries participating in the war lost more than one-third of their national wealth and some of them, like Germany, Austria-Hungary, Russia, the Balkan States, much more than half. Increase of Worthless Paper Capitalism as a form of economic organization is of course full of contradictions. During the years of war these contradictions attained immense proportions. In order to obtain resources for waging war, the state had recourse particularly to two measures: first to the issue of paper money, and second to the raising of loans. In diis manner lOH^alled ^'securities" circulated in increasing num- bers, with the aid of which the state was actually absorbing the real material goods of the nation and destroying them in warfare. The more the state expended, i. e., the more real values it de- stroyed, the more fictitious values were circulated in the country. Mountains of government secur- ities were accumulated. It seemed the country was getting extraordinarily rich, whereas in reality the economic foundation was being eaten away and was gradually collapsing. The national debts at- tained a figure of about 250 billion gold dollars, amounting to 62 per cent of the present national wealth of the belligerent countries. Before the war there was in paper money and treasury cer- tificates 7 billion gold dollars; now there are from 55 to 70 billion, L e., ten times as much, altogether disregarding Russia, of course, for we are now speaking of the capitalist world. All this is true particularly, or even exclusively, of the European countries, primarily of the continent of Europe, and more specifically, of Central Europe. On the whole, as Europe became more and more impover- ished, and continues to become so, it was covered with an increasingly thick layer of paper values, fictitious capital, and continues to be so covered. This fictitious capital — ^treasury certificates, credit notes, loan issues, bank notes, etc. — is either a re- miniscence of capital destroyed, or a hope of cap- ital to be bom. But at present there is certainly no actual capital represented. When a state raised a loan for production purposes, for instance, for the Suez Canal, the corresponding national secur- ities were guaranteed by a real possession, by the Suez Canal, for instance, which bore steamers, took in money, yielded profits, in fact, was a portion of the economic life. But when the state raised war loans, the values mobilized with the aid of these loans were destroyed, and these in turn de- stroyed new values. But the loan certificates re- mained in the pockets and brief-cases of the citizens, while the state became indebted for billions and billions of dollars. These billions exist in the form of a paper wealth in the pockets of those who subscribed to the loans. But where are the actual ions? They do not exist. They are burnt to bill ^ __^ nothing, they are annihilated. On what does the holder of these papers place his hopes? If he is a Frenchman, he hopes that France may carve these billions out of the flesh of the Germans and repay his investment The Housing Question The destruction of the foundations of the cap- italist countries, the destruction of their production Digitized by Google March 1, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA 123 apparatus, in many cases went much further than can be satisfactorily ascer- tained. This is particularly true in the housing question. The entire resources of capital, in view of the tremendous profits during the war and after the war, were devoted to the production of new articles of personal or military use. The restoration of the fundamental pro- duction apparatus, however, was more and more neglected. Thii is particular- ly true of the building of houses in cities. The old houses were kept in poor repair and new houses were built in small numbers only. This is the cause of the inmiense housing famine all over the capitalist world. While at present, as a result of the crisis in which the most important capitalist countries are utilizing at the most one-half or one third of their production possibil- ities, the destruction of the production apparatus is not so evident as in the housing question, owing to the increase in the population — the disorganization of the economic life is making itself in- crcasmgly felt. In America, in England, in France, in Germany, thousands, if not millions, of new dwellings are needed. But the work required meets with insuperable difficulty because of the general impoverishment Therefore capitalist Europe must draw in its belt, must clip its wings, and lower its stand- ard, and will have to continue doing so for years to come. Germany^s Poverty Within the Ihnits of the general impoverishment of Europe, the various countries, as I have already said, have become impoverished to varying degrees. Let us take Germany as the country that among the powerful capitalist nations has suffered most from the war. I shall indicate the principal figures illus- trative of the economic position of Germany be- fore the war and now. The figures are only ap- proximate; statistical data as to the national wealth and to the national income are a very ticklish pro- position under the anarchic conditions of capital- ism. A real study of income and wealth will not be possible until socialism has been introduced, when the numerical facts are expressed in units of human labor, in a really well organized and well functioning socialist system, from which we are still far removed. But even these inexact figures will be of value to us, for they will give us a fairly approximate conception of the alterations that have been going on in the economic situation of Germany and the other countries in the last six or seven years. The national wealth of Germany on the eve of the war was estimated at 225 billion gold marks, and the maximum national income at 40 billion Leon Trotsky by Clare Sheridan Mrs, Sheridan, the British sculptress, has given the F. S. R, permission to reproduce her famous bust of Trotsky, In our next issue we shall an- nounce the terms under which our readers may obtain replicas of the bust. gold marks.* Germany's wealth, as is well known, was rapidly increasing before the war. In 1896 its annual income was 22,000,000,000 marks. In the course of eighteen years (1896-1913), this in- come increased by 18,000,000,000, i. e., it grew at the rate of about 1,000,000,000 a year. In fact, these eighteen years were the period of powerful capitalistic expansion all over the world, particu- larly in Germany. At present Germany's national wealth is estimated at 100 billion gold marks, and the national income at 16 billion marks, i. e., at 40 per cent of the pre-war income (1913). Of course, Germany has lost a portion of its territory, but its main losses are due to the war expenditures and the plundering of Germany after the war. The German economist, Richard Calwcr, estimates that in industry as well as in the national economy Germany is now producing much less than one-half the values produced before the war. Calwer's cal- culations therefore fully coincide with the figures I have indicated. Simultaneously, the indebtedness of Germany rose to 250,000,000,000 marks, i. e., it is two and a half times as great as the present national wealth of the country. In addition, an indemnity of 132,000,000,000 marks has been im- posed upon Germany. If the English and French should decide to collect this sum immediately and * Roughly spraldng, four gold marks are the equivalenr of one gold dollar. Digitized by Google 124 SOVIET RUSSIA March 1, 1922 in full, they would have to pocket all of Germany from Stinnes* coal mines to President Ebert's cuff buttons. There is paper money in Germany amount- ing to 80,000,000,000 marks. Of this sum, 5,000,000,000 at most are guaranteed by gold. The real value of the German mark therefore amoimts to less than seven pfennigs. To be sure, Germany was quite successful in the post-war period in the world market, owing to the fact that it was dumping goods at low prices. Even if these dumping prices yielded great profits to the German merchants and exporters, they mean ruin for the German population in the long run, for the low prices in the world market were brought about by low pay and undernourishment of the workers, by national subsidies in bread prices, by regulation of rents — and this resulted in a complete cessation of building activities, an extraordinary limitation of repairs, etc., etc. In this way, every German product thrown into the world market withdraws from the country a cer- tain portion of the national wealth, for which Ger- many will obtain no equivalent In order to repair the German economy, the money standard would have to be stabilized, i. e., the issue of new paper values should cease and the number already issued be reduced. And the pay- ment of debts would have to be renounced, i. e., state bankruptcy declared. But this measure in itself would involve an immense disturbance of equilibrium, for it means a transfer of ownership from the hands of one class into those of the other, and would therefore produce a bitter class struggle for the new distribution of the national wealth. For the present, Germany continues to grow poorer and poorer. France* s Situation Let us take a victorious country: France. Let us compare the present situation of France with its situation in the years 1918-1919. We shall at once give the figures with which French bourgeois economists boast in their attempts to prove that capitalist economy has been restored. Let us take agriculture. Before the war, France raised annu- ally 86,000,000 tons of wheat, 52,000,000 tons of oats, 132,000,000 tons of potatoes. In 1919, she raised 50,000,000 tons of wheat, and in the last harvest (1920) 63,000,000. In 1919, there were 77,000,000 tons of potatoes, m 1920, 103,000,000. Let us consider cattle. In 1913, there were 16,000,000 sheep; now there are 9,000,000; in 1913, there were 7,000,000 pigs; now 5,000,000— a tremendous diminution. Let us take coal, this most important product, the most important factor in industry. In 1913, France mined 41,000,000 tons of coal; in 1919, she mined 22,000,000; in 1920, 25,000,000; even if you include Alsace-Lorraine and the Saar basin, the coal mined in 1920 totals only 35,600,000 tons. This is an increase, to be sure, but this increase by no means attains the pre-war level. But how were even these modest advances obtained? In agriculture they were obtained chief- ly by the persistent and painful efforts of the French peasants. But in the purely capitalist field the advances were attained chiefly by the plundering of Germany, from whom cows, crops, machines, locomotives, gold, and particularly coal, were taken away. From the standpoint of general economy no advance is to be recorded, for no new values arc being created; it is chiefly a regrouping of old values that is taking place. And we must add that Germany lost one and one-half times or twice m much as it gave to France. Frcmce's Trade Balance We therefore note that France, after having taken from Germany the most important metal and coal districts, has as yet by no means reached its own pre-war level. Let us consider France's own foreign trade. The balance of trade is the international standard of equilibrium of the various countries. A capitalist country considers itself firmly estab- lished when it exports more than it imports. The difference is paid to it in gold, and this gold balance is called an active balance. If a coimtry is obliged to import more than it can export, the balance is called passive, and this country will be obliged to add, to the goods it exports, a portion of its gold reserve. Its gold reserve therefore shrinks, and the f oimdation of its money and credit system is gradually destroyed. Let us consider France in the last two years, 1919-1920— L e., in the two years of **reparation*' activity of the French bourgeoisie; we observe that in 1919 the passive balance of trade was 24,000,000,000 francs, and in 1920, 13,000,000,000 francs. Such figures surely never occurred to the French bourgeoisie before the war even in their most terrible nightmares. The unfavorable trade balance of these two years has been 37,000,000,000 francs. True, in the first third of 1921, France attained a trade balance with no passive surplus, i. e., imports reached the level of exports. On this occasion, a number of bourgeois economists began to toot their horns: France was restoring her trade balance. The power- ful organ of the bourgeoisie, the Temps, wrote on May 18: **They are mistaken. The only reason we have not been obliged to pay any gold during these three months is in the fact that we have imported few raw materials. But this means that in the second half of the year we shall export fewer manufactured products, for we make them in gen- eral out of foreign raw materials, particularly American. Even if we have succeeded in bolstering up our balance of trade in these four months, the unfavorable balance will imquestionably grow again later." Before the war France had less than 6,000,000,- 000 francs in bank notes; now she has more than 38,000,000,000. The paper I have quoted above says, with regard to the purchasing power of the franc, that in America, toward the end of March, 1921, when the crisis had already begun all over the world, prices were 23 per cent above the pre- Digitized by Google March 1, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA 125 war level, L e., less than one-fourth, while prices in France were 260 per cent above the pre-war level; this means a considerable decrease in the purchasing power of the franc. The French Budget Difficulties Let us now consider the budget. It may be divided into two parts: a normal and an extraordin- ary budget The normal budget amounts to 23,000,- 000,000 francs — a figure unheard of before the war! What becomes of these enormous simis? Fifteen billion go to pay the interest on the debt; five billion to maintain the army; total 20 billion. That is all the French Government can squeeze out of the tax payer. As a matter of fact, the country actually got only 17,500,000,000 francs out of them. The "normal" national income was therefore not sufficient to cover the interest on the debt and the maintenance of the army. But in addition there are the extraordinary expenses: over 5,000,000,000 francs for the armies of occupation, 23,000,000,000 francs for various military reparations and reha- bilitations. These expenses are charged to Ger- many's account But it is perfectly clear that Ger- many will be increasingly incapable of paying them. Meanwhile, however, the French Govern- ment lives on new loans and new issues of paper money. One of the best known financial journalists of France, the editor of the most influential eco- nomic paper, U Information^ Leon Chavenon, pleads for a further printing of paper money, •declaring: *^e shall not free ourselves from this pressure except by an open declaration of bank- Tuptcy.** In other words, there are two possibili- ties: bankruptcy concealed by further emissions of paper, or an open bankruptcy. That is the case with France, a victorious coun- try, which occupies a favorable situation in demor- alized Europe by reason of the fact that it has been able and still is able to restore its equilibrimn at Germany's expense. The situation of Italy and Belgium is certainly not better than that of France. Our Relief Consignments Up to December 31, five ships left American shores bound for Soviet Russia containing food and other supplies. The foOowing is a report of the foodstuffs and other material forwarded by the American Federated Russian Famine Relief G>mmittee to Soviet Russia aboard the five vessels. It must be noted that the Friends of Soviet Russia fur- nished nearly 97^ per cent of the funds for the purchase of these foodstuffs. S. S. MARGUS-Sailed October 15, 1921. 2,040 cases Milk 60 cases Chocolate 44 cases G>coa 200 cases Cocoa S,056 sacks Wheat Flour 6,200 sacks Com Flour Total Weight 125,590 lbs. Gross Value of Shipment $62,435.95 Ocean Freight Commission 96.06 Purchasing Commission 156 09 Marine Insurance Conunission 97.81 Ocean Freight 9,605.73 Marina InanraBct 1,009.76 $73,401.40 S. S. ELZASIER— Sailed October 27, 1921. 1,800 sacks Com Flour 1,020 cases Condensed Milk 100 tons Lard 50 tons Lard 52 cases Fat Backa 55 cases Fat Backs) 30 tons Oleomargarine 112 bbls. Corned Beef 550 bbls. & cases Cocoa 1,600 sacks Cora Grits 2,036 sacks Rolled Oats 2,400 sacks Cora Meal 470 cases Bacon 2,802 sacks Beans Gross Weight of Shipment ...1342,695 Iba. Value of Shipment ....$54,353.08 Purchasing Commission 135.88 Ocean Freight Commission 82.89 Marine Insurance Commission 77.54 Ocean Freight 7,753.83 Insurance 855.89 Gross Value of Shipment $634259.11 S. S. EASTPORT— Sailed November 20, 1921. 243 tons Pure Lard 65 cases Rough Ribs i 85 boxes Smoked Jowl Butts 2,450 cases Condensed Milk 540 bags Cabellaro Beans 3,200 bags Com Grits Gross weight of shipment ...910358 Iba. Value of Shipment $38,642.61 Purchasing Commission 96.50 Ocean Freight Commission 35.34 Marine Insurance 226.73 Ocean Freight 3,354.27 Insurance 401.02 Gross Value of Shipment $42,556.57 S. S. GASCONIER— Sailed November 30, 1921. 5 boxes Ford Bodies \ 5 boxes Trucks . > 5 boxes Bodies Total Weight 50,600 lbs. Value of Shipment $15,400.00 Handling Charges 163.80 Frt. & Insurance to Reval 1,983.78 Gross Value of Shipment $17,447.59 S. S. EASTERN COAST— Sailed December 23, 192L 4,800 bags Com Grits 3,200 bags Rolled Oats 2,500 bags Lima Beans 1,091 bbls. Cocoa 4,210 cases Condensed Milk 210 cases Fat Backs 1 case and 2 parcels Ipecac Root 210 bags Wheat Flour Gross Weight of Shipment . .2,084,014 lbs. Value of Shipment $61,152.29 Purchasing Commission 152.88 Ocean Freight Commission 76.55 Marine Insurance Commission 53.63 Ocean Freight 7,655.00 Insurance 822.48 Gross Value of Shipment $69,912.83 Owing to the large number of articles that had to be inserted in this issue of Soviet Russia, we have had to omit the National Office Notes, which will again appear in the March 15 issue. Digitized by Google 126 SOVIET RUSSIA March 1, 1922 Japan and the Russian Far East By Max Strypyansky T TNFOUNDED and good-natured optimism be- ^^ ing one of the common failings of the human race, there is no wonder that the Washington Conference left many an otherwise sensible person deeply disappointed. In the absence of any other way to free the Russian Far East from the grip of Japanese imperialism, many who ought to have known better cherished hopes that the United States Government would induce the Japanese to keep their solemn promises and evacuate that important part of Asiatic Russia— especially in view of the "moral trusteeship" that the United States had assumed toward Russia. As is well known, the matter was disposed of in less than an hour to the perfect satisfaction of Japan, who reasserts her promise to evacuate East- ern Siberia — as soon as she may see fit. The gentle- men from Tokio gave a similar promise to Korea in 1902 — only to annex the country officially eight years later. One of the New York dailies (The N. y. Times) J which is rarely governed by delicacy towards Russian populations, commenting upon this promise as to the Russian Far East, calls attention to the similar attitude of England, who forty years ago gave precisely the same pledge as to the evacua- tion of Egypt. The Latest Disciple of European Civilization Within the short period of sixty years, Japan achieved the transition from a picturesque Asiatic feudalism to the modem methods of European capitalism, and acquired all the prominent virtues of white civilization: German militarism and "effi- ciency", British colonial expansion, Russian Tsar- ist brutality toward the working class and the con- quered nationalities; and, to top it off, Anglo- Saxon hypocrisy and diplomatic skill. Apt pupils of their white teachers, they also adopted a kind of Monroe doctrine of their own: *'Asia for the Asiatics", which of course meant: "China and Siberia for Japan." The war afforded them a splendid opportunity to take a substantial step in the realization of their plans. As participants in the "war for democracy", they succeeded not only in supplanting the Ger- mans in their Chinese possessions, but also in putting their hand upon practically all of North- em China. The Russian revolution and the subsequent weak- ening of Russia's military power, finally gave them a chance to become the masters of Eastern Siberia. On August 13, 1917, a Japanese Mission arrived "at a Pacific port" of the United States, and, ac- cording to the headlines of the N. Y, Times of the following day, the head of the Mission asserted that "Japan stands with us to make the world safe for liberty, justice and fair play." And four months later Japan began to put these lofty prin- ciples into effect, by sending its warships to Vladi- vostok — on December 30, 1917, six weeks after the successful November Revolution. This absolutely unprovoked act was accom- panied by a declaration of the Japanese Consul- General at Vladivostok to the effect that the "Japanese Government had no intention whatever of meddling in the question of the political struc- ture of Russia." And since that time the history of the Russian Far East was one uninterrupted chain of such "non-interferences" in Russian intern- al matters on the part of Japan. The history of those four years, the acts of violence committed by the Japanese invaders and their Russian hirelings, the rise of Kolchak, his fall under the blows of the Red Army and the establishment of the independent democratic Far Eastem Republic; its stmggles against the Japanese invaders and the "White" bandits in their employ, culminating in the establishment of the so-called "Pri-Amur Government" in Vladivostok and the territory of the Maritime Province — all this, richly illustrated by a great number of official documents (many of them secret) extending over this whole period — is the subject of two very interesting books issued in January and February, 1922, by the Special Delegation of the Far Eastern Republic to the United States. These books are entitled: A Short Outline of the History of the Far Eastem Republic (69 pp.) and Japanese Intervention in the Russian Far East (viii4-165 pp.). I found them being sold at the Rand School Bookstore a few days ago, where a large number had been already disposed of. From the November Revolution to the Fall of Kolchak The period between December 30, 1917 and June 28, 1918 was not marked by any decisive events in the life of the Russian Far East. True, Japanese landing parties came ashore, assisted by British landing parties, but the authority of the local govemment was not yet challenged. On the borders of Siberian territory, however, in various places of Northem Manchuria, the Japanese were helping the organization of the Russian counter- revolutionary forces, headed by the Cossack chief- tains ("Atamans") Semionov and Kalmykov, whose chief activity consisted in plundering and killing the peaceful border population — under the pretext of "fighting Bolshevism". Although never serious- ly menacing the Soviet power, they often caused disorder and trouble, with the clearly defined aim of giving the Japanese further pretexts for remain- ing there, "for the protection of their nationals". The same policy was, by the way, extended later on by the Japanese to the territory of the Chinese Digitized by Google March 1, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA 127 WHERE THE FAR EASTERN REPUBLIC IS Note the shaded portion, which Japan wants, and some of which she has already taken. Note the ^cork" in the neck of the bottle. Vladivostok is in the Maritime Province. Amur Province is between Amur River and the "cork". West of the "cork** are Transbaikalia (with Qiita where the railroad forks) and Pribaikalia, a narrow strip along Lake BtfikaL Eastern Railroad in Manchuria, which belonged to the Russian ^^sphere of influence". There the Japanese supported bands of the notorious Chinese 'IChunkhuses" (brigands), who, at their order, were continuously attacking the trains — ^thus afford- ing the Japanese a pretext for imposing them- selves as protectors of this territory. But the Japanese were not the only ones at work. At the same time, the French military mission, still in Russia, was preparing a decisive blow against the Soviet Government; and it was assisted in this by the Czecho-Slovak politicians, who, for the promise of national independence, with the prospect of oppressing other nationalities, were ready to sell the Russian Revolution. Rumors were put in circulation that the Soviet Govern- ment intended to disarm the Czecho-SIovaks and deliver them to the Austro-German hangmen; clashes were artificially provoked by the com- manding staff between the Czecho-SIovaks and the local Soviet authorities — and the consequence was the infamous revolt of the Czecho-SIovaks, the seizure of almost half of the Russian gold reserve, the Siberian death trains, the rise of Kol- chak, and the loss of Siberia and a great part of Eastern and Southern Russia to the counter-revolu- tion. Emboldened by the success of their first blow against the workers' government, the Allies pro- ceeded forthwith to open intervention, and in its declaration of August 5, 1918, the United States officially invited the Japanese to participate in armed aggression against Russia, allegedly for the defence of the "westward moving Cz^:ho-Slovaks** {westward, i. e., towards Moscow). Assured of American non-interference with the Japanese designs, the Tokio Government started its double game of helping the Russian counter- revolution against the revolutionary elements in Siberia, and at the same time of weakening Kol- chak's power — by imposing its own agents over the area of Eastern Siberia, the nearest object — and the most valuable — of Japanese ambitions for Russian territory. The Russian "patriots'* Rozanov, Semionov, Kalmykov, were entrusted with the task of exterminating the rebellious population on the one hand, and of defying and weakening Kolchak on the other. For with all their hatred against the workers' revolution, the Japanese did not want the establishment of a strong reactionary govern- ment in Siberia, to defend the interests of Russian capitalists against the encroachments of their Japa- nese rivals. The atrocities perpetrated by the Japanese against the native Russian population, which was revolting against the double yoke of Japanese and Tsarist Digitized by Google 128 SOVIET RUSSIA March 1, 1922 oppressors, find no parallel in the history of modern times — except perhaps the French and Eng- lish exploits in the Sudan and the German exter- mination of the Herrero tribes. The total destruc- tion of Ivanovka, the largest settlement in Eastern Siberia, where 280 women and children were burned alive, the crimes perpetrated by Ataman Kalmykov, who could with impunity rob and mur- der even the representative of the Swedish Red Cross, the torture chambers installed by Ataman Semionov and his assistant, Baron Ungern- Sternberg, in which hundreds of persons were slowly tormented to death — were characteristic for the sufferings endured by the population of Eastern Siberia at the hands of the chivalrous associate in the "war for democracy", to whom the Washing- ton Conference has now given carte blanche in the Russian Far East. But the Allied dream of reestablishing the rule of the Tsar did not come true. In spite of the active help afforded Kolchak by the Allies in men and ammunition, he succumbed under the repeated blows of the Red Army and between November, 1919, and January, 1920, his rule collapsed on the entire territory of Siberia. His forcibly drafted soldiers mostly went over to the Red Army; the Czecho-Slovaks finally refused to fight; and the English, French and Italian troops were with- drawn from Russian territory. There remained only American and Japanese troops; but the American troops preserved strict neutrality, while the Japanese exerted every effort to uphold "Kolchak's", i. e., their own authority, exercised by their Semionovs, Kalmykovs and Rozanovs. The Revolt in Vladivostok and Pribaikalia Their efforts were, however, in vain. On January 31, 1920, General Rozanov was overthrown in Vladivostok, and in February the Amur province also was liberated. Semionov was driven out of Pribaikalia, the territory on the eastern shore of Lake Baikal, and a Provisional Zemstvo Govern- ment of Pribaikalia was established in Verkhne- Udinsk. The aim of this government was to expel Semionov from the province of Transbaikalia and thus unite with the Amur and Maritime Provinces, which had already overthrown the rule of the "White" generals and "Atamans" and installed provisional democratic governments. But here the Japanese gave open and active support to Semionov and the revolutionary forces were prevented from capturing Chita, the capital of Transbaikalia. During the first weeks after the fall of Kolchak, Japan had apparently not yet embarked upon a definite policy with regard to Soviet Russia. But at the end of March, 1920, the Tokio Government openly avowed its aim of creating a buffer zone between Japan and Soviet Russia, by declaring that it would not permit the Red Army to pass further east than Pribaikalia. Japan's solicitude for Eastern Siberia now became perfectly clear, as it need not be explained what a "buffer zone" xeMy is — if the troop* of only one party (the Japanese in this case) are allowed to be stationed there. But pretexts were necessary for keeping her troops in Siberia and Japan was not slow to find them. There were first the Czecho-Slovaks, on whoM account the whole intervention was originated by the United States. While foreign troops had been de- clared necessary to protect their westward movement (towards Moscow and the German front) , their pres- ence now became necessary to protect an eastward movement, to Vladivostok, where the Czecho-Slovak* were to embark for home. But unfortunately for the Japanese plans, the Czecho-Slovaks had every- where in Siberia come to a friendly understanding with the revolutionary authorities, and their move- ment towards the Pacific coast was proceeding unhampered. With the Czechs gone, a valuable pretext for the Japanese stay was lost. Now the Japanese themselves, through Semionov, held up the Czecho-Slovak evacuation by creating disturb- ances and provoking bloodshed along the Chinese Eastern Railway, causing many deaths among the Czecho-Slovaks, Russians and Chinese. The Inter- Allied Technical Board, an organization without Bolshevist sympathies, openly accused the Japa- nese and their "Russian" hirelings of holding up the Czecho-Slovak evacuation which they wetre supposed to protect. The Nikolayevsk Events But this was not the only pretext. A more aerioui one, involving "national honor", was created by the Japanese Military Command, in the form of the famous massacre of Nikolayevsk, of March 13-14, 1920. These events, vividly described in the aforementioned publications, show how the Japanese military authorities, by all kinds of pro- vocations, atrocious murders of the truce- bearers, breaches of armistice agreements, and treacherous night attacks, provoked the terrible slaughter by which the entire Japanese garrison and civilian population (armed by the Japanese military authorities) were annihilated and the city destroyed. There is not the slightest doubt that the whole tragic affair was skilfully arranged by the Japanese Military Command, which deliberately sacrificed hundreds of its own subjects for a suitable pretext to seize this region, and even Mr. Paul Miliukov, in his article in the N. Y. Times, of February 5, 1922, unequivocally puts the responsibility on Japan. The Japanese provocation served its purpose. The government occupied all the Russian part of the island of Sakhalin and the mouth of the Amur, with the city of Nikolayevsk on the mainland opposite, during the course of 1920. The Japanese Attack of April 4^ In the meantime the American troops had been withdrawn. The Japanese, 70,000 men, remained as the only foreign military force on Siberian soil — ^for the "protection of the Czecho-SloTaks**, for Digitized by Google March 1, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA 129 the **8af ety" of Manchuria (that part of Manchuria which was in the Russian ^sphere of influence'\) and for the "peace" of Korea. TTie Japanese showed a rather conciliatory dis- position. They negotiated with the Provisional Government of the Maritime Province; a special Russo-Japanese Adjustment Board was created and while the Russian delegates prepared to meet the other section of the delegation, the Japanese sud- denly atUcked the entire Maritime Province. This attock occurred on April 4-5, 1920. A veritable massacre took place in Vladivostok, Khabarovsk and Nikolsk. Thousands of persons were arrested; public buildings were destroyed and influential members of the government delivered into the hands of the Whites and burned alive in the furnace of a locomotive. Credit must be given to the Czecho- slovaks who — finally aware of the ignominious role they had played for the last year and a half — took the side of the People's Government and sheltered its members in their headouarters. In spite of this sudden and treacherous attack, the Japanese did not succeed in imposing upon Vladivostok an administration of their White hire- lings. But they were strong enough to impose upon the Provisional Government the acceptance of an agreement (of April 29, 1920) which made it virtually a prisoner of the Japanese. New Republic Proclaimed Almost simultaneously with the Japanese attack of April 4^, 1920, there assembled in Verkhne- Udinsk in the Pribaikal region, on the other end of the Far Eastern territory, a conference of rep- resentatives of the population of that province, which on April 6, 1920, proclaimed the formation of an independent Democratic Republic of the Russian Far East The independence of the re- public was immediately recognized by the Russian Soviet Government, and among the various pro- vinces constituting the Russian Far East, the Amur province, on May 25, recognized Verkhne-Udinsk as the Central Government of the entire Far East But a united Far Eastern Republic was still far from being a fact. An important area which was to form part of the territory- of the Far Eastern Republic, namely Transbaikalia, with Chita as the capital, was completely rendering impossible any connection between Pribaikalia on the one hand and the Amur and Maritime provinces on the other. This area was occupied by Semionov, i. e., by the Japanese, and the communication between the various provinces which were to constitute the united Far Eastern Republic was thus made ex- tremely difficult, if not impossible. With Semionov the Japanese, according to the declaration of General Oi (of June 26, 1920), **were collaborating with the purpose of upholding order in Transbaikalia." Which did not prevent the Japanese gentlemen in Washington from de- claring that they had nothing to do with the amiable cutthroat whose exploits have filled the whole world with loathing. Sakhalin Seized, Transbaikalia Evacuated In July, 1920, Japan considered that the time was ripe for the seizure of the Russian part of the island of Sakhalin and of the mainland opposite. In order to weaken the impression which this seiz' ure would make on the outer world — for it amount- ed to outright annexation, with the institution of a Japanese civil administration, seizure of the fisher- ies, oil wells and mines and practical disfranchise- ment and dispossession of the Russian population — the Tokio Government at the same time an- nounced the evacuation of Transbaikalia, simul- taneously preparing an attack on the Amur Pro- vince — as appears from the secret correspondence of the Japanese military authorities, published in the Far Eastern press. The troops so generously evacuated from Transbaikalia were to serve this purpose. But this attack did not come off. The Russian Red Army was inflicting blow after blow on the Polish imitators of Japan; the prestige of Russia was growing, and the United States did not view Japan's annexationist designs very favorably. Among the secret documents mentioned was a telegram dealing with negotiations conducted with England concerning the Siberian question. These negotiations must have been at least as interesting as those conducted a year later with the French Government, but unfortunately only one short tele- gram became known of these dealings. The Constituent Assembly in Chita After the departure of the Japanese from Trans- baikalia, the reign of Semionov was doomed. Alone he could not ofifer any resistance to the attacks of the entire insurgent population. He and his men were compelled to flee over the Manchurian border to what is courteously called Chinese ter- ritory. Chita, the capital, was occupied by the revolutionary forces on October 20, 1920, and im- mediately became the seat of the Government of the Far Eastern Republic. Connection with all the provinces being finally established, representatives of all the local govern- ments assembled in Chita on November 9, 1920. At this conference the independence of the Repub- lic, as well as its democratic principles, were con- firmed, and January 9, 1921, was fixed for elections, on the basis of universal sufifrage. The Constitu- ent Assembly resulting from these elections con- vened February 12, 1921. In its composition the Assembly consisted mostly of peasants with some- what radical sympathies (220 deputies of the Revo- lutionary Toiling Peasantry) and unfortunately there were only 90 Communists representing the working class. In addition to this there were 30 delegates of the rich farmers, as well as smaller groups of Mensheviks, Social Revolutionists and outright representatives of the wealthy bourgeoisie. A democratic constitution was adopted and although the efl'orts to disestablish capitalism have been ridiculously unsuccessful, the working class and the toiling peasantry have de facto a predominating influence. Digitized by Google 130 SOVIET RUSSIA March 1, 1922 A'cu; Japanese Aggression But the Japanese were not idle either. After the defeat of Semionov in Transbaikalia, they trans- ferred all his troops as well as the soldiers of Kappel (the remnants of Kolchak's army) to the Maritime Province. This was the part of Siberia upon which thfe Japanese now mainly concentrated their attention; and Semionov's and KappeFs men were held there in readiness for a favorable moment for the overthrow of the democratic admin- istration of the Maritime Province. As mentioned before, this administration was practically a prison- er of the Japanese and was not allowed to proceed against the marauding bands of Semionov. And at the same time Japan started negotiations with France concerning the transfer of Wrangel's army to Vladivostok with which to undertake the subjugation of the entire territory of the Russian Far East. Japan was to take over the protectorate over the entire Far Eastern Republic and France was to receive valuable concessions. The docu- ments referring to these negotiations were pub- lished in Washington by the Special Delegation of the Far Eastern Republic and their authenticity was of course indignantly denied by the French and Japanese delegates. In March, 1921, Japan finally decided that the time had come to overthrow the democratic admin- istration of Vladivostok and to institute a "loyal'^ (to Japan) Russian administration. But the White Guards (March 30-31, 1921) were not successful, the local militia repulsed their attacks. The Japa- nese kept "neutral", but did not allow the admin- istration to take any steps against the insurgents, who were acting quite in the open. A second at- tempt was made on May 26, 1921, and this time the Whites succeeded, the Japanese now helping them by disarming the militia. Since that time the **Russian" Pri-Amur Government of Merkulov was established in Vladivostok, with all its accompany- ing orgies of persecutions, tortures, and murders. Emboldened by this success, the Japanese devised a plan of a general ofifensive against the entire Far Eastern Republic which was to be attacked simultaneously from all sides. Baron Ungem-Stemberg, a Baltic-German ad- venturer who was even more cruel than Semionov, was to attack from Mongolia. He had been in- stalled by the Japanese as ruler of this territory, which is a part of the Chinese Republic. Another General, Sychev, was to attack the Amur province from Manchuria (also Chinese territory), and Semionov was to proceed towards Khabarovsk, one of the most important towns in the Maritime Province. But the plan failed. The Siberians offered stub- bom resistance and Ungem, who had advanced against both Soviet Siberian territory and the Far Eastern Republic, with the slogan of reestablishing the monarchy, was routed in July, 1921, his army dispersed, and he himself captured and executed. Sychev was also defeated and Semionov decided to adopt the attitude of watchful waiting. Calling the Washington Conference All the appeals of the Chita Government to Japan to withdraw her troops and take up normal political and economic relations remained un- answered. This silence was not broken until President Harding called the Washington Conference. Only then the Japanese Government hurriedly decided to invite the Government of the Far Eastern Re- public to the negotiations at Dairen in Manchuria. The attitude of the Japanese during these nego-^ tiations was as sincere as in the foregoing dealings^ They would not discuss the evacuation of the troops. Likewise, they refused to discuss the seizure of Sakhalin and Nikolayevsk. This was to be post' poned until the establishment of a recognized AH' Russian Government. But at the same time the Japanese were prepared to discuss the amendment of the Fisheries Convention concluded with the Tsar's government They claimed for the Japanese the right to own land in the Russian Far East, in the name of "equal rights" — while as a matter of fact under the democratic Constitution as well as under the laws of the Tsar, the Russian peasants in the Far East could only lease (but not own) the land for certain periods. They wanted many other "equal" rights, which practically would have made them supreme masters of all the natural riches of the country. And while the "negotiations'* at Dairen as well as the sessions of the Washington Conference were still going on, they organized a new attack against the Far Eastern Republic by sending their Russian hirelings, the men of Semionov, Kappel, Denikin and Wrangel, to Khabarovsk, to occupy the city and the whole Maritime Province. True, their further advance westward has been checked for the time being by the heroic efforts of the People's Revolu- tionary Army — but there is no doubt that, embold- ened by her victory in Washington, Japan will soon start a new campaign against the Far Eastern Republic. Bound Volumes of Soviet Russia Are you preparing a debate on the question of Trade with Russia? Are you anxious to know what countries have made treaties with Soviet Russia, and what is the precise text of those treaties? Do you know the diplomatic correspondence that has been passing between the Government of the R. S. F. S. R. and the other countries in recent years? All these things and more you can have constantly at your fingers* ends if you own the bound volumes of Soviet Russia. Vol. I and Vol. II are sold out, but Volumes III, IV, and V may still be had. The prices are: Vol. Ill (second half 1920), five dollars; Vol. IV (first half 1921), four dollars; Vol. V (sec- ond half 1921), three dollars. Sent postpaid on receipt of price. SOVIET RUSSIA Room 304 110 West 40th St., New York, N. Y. Digitized by Google Marcli 1, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA 131 Finland's ''Complete Neutrality" iChicherin, People's Commissar for Foreign Affairs, fortomded to the Finnish Government about December 22 a note dealing with the Finnish Government's answer to Chicherin's previous three notes on the Karelian question. The complete text of this recent note of Chicherin is conu municated by the Russian Telegraph Agency as follows:) THE Finnish Government, in its note of December 11 has finally answered my three notes of November 18 and 23, and of December 5. With regard to the contents of the last Finnish note, I must state in the name of the Russian Government that the latter cannot in any way consider it as an answer to the questions enumerated in my notes, and still less as an answer to the clearly, precisely, and unmistakably formulated proposals of my note of December 5, in which a definite and unambiguous answer was re- quested. Your present note is unfortunately evasive in its nature and must be regarded as an expression of dilatory tactics, and of your desire to limit yourself to formal pronouncements at a moment when energetic and resolute lueasures would be in place. Your note of December 11 assures us that the Finnish Government has not for a moment ceased to observe "complete neutrality", which is said to be carried out by it in the most painstaking compliance with the treaty of peace. This note further maintains that the recruiting of volunteers and the organization of detachments on Finnish soil, with the object of conquering Eastern Karelia, have been prohibited, and that, after having declared the boun- dary closed, all measures have been taken to detect and prevent expeditions and ammunition from passing over the boundary. After this declaration, the Finnish Govern- ment again declares that the Russian Government has not furnished sufficient proofs to show that direct armed attacks on the Karelian Workers* Commune have been organized and prepared in Finland, not to mention the fact that a number of Finnish newspapers, such as Iltalehti, Uusi, Suomi, Suunta^ Karfala, etc., are ceaselessly printing appeals for direct violations of the treaty of peace and for an armed attack on Soviet Russia. In refutation of the Finnish Government's assurances, I can adduce a number of irrefutable proofs which show in the most unmistakable and striking manner both the emptiness of these assurances as weU as the excellent foundations justifying the Russian Government in making its accusations. The Finnish Gov- ernment assures us that no recruiting whatever has taken place on Finnish soil for the Eastern Karelian expedition, but we can prove that it is aware of the fact that recruit- ing centers exist and continue their activities in a number of places, in spite of the assurances of the note of Decem- ber 11. I herewith enumerate several of these numerous places: In Helsingfors the **Jagarbyra** has established its recruiting oflBce at Vilhelmsgatan, 4. In this office there is working not only the notorious member of the activist party, Mr. Kaila, but also the representative of the Finnish delegation in the Nfixed Finnish-Russian Commission, P. Hynninen, who provides the office in question with the most complete material. Another recruiting office was or- ganized by one of the leaders of the "Skyddskar**, Major Lemberg, at Runebergsgatan, 47. Viborg is an important center for this recruiting. The office in that city was or- ganized by a society founded by Karelians, **The Karelian Gtizens* League", and is working with the material and moral support of that League. At Villmansstrand, in Viborg, there is a recruiting office in contact with this alliance, and with the **Skyddskar*', which l.as the most active part in this work. It has been particularly proved that in the expeditions there are a great number of **Skyddskar" mem- bers, for instance, in the expeditions to Karelia by way of Lieksa, on November 28, when fifty persons went over, and on December 2, when sixty men went over. In other cases, the **Skyddskar" members accompany the recruiting volunteers up to the boundary and aid them in crossing. The authorities of the "Skyddskar" have sent very definite orders to their men on the organization of the Finnish expeditions by foreign, particvlarly Gennan, officers, among whom are a number that have obtained rights of Fimiish citizenship (Ausfeldt and Konnecke). The Finnish organizers have as one of their motives a violent hatred of Soviet Russia and organize attacks against the Karelian Workers' Commune with the desire of creat- ing uprisings and inaugurating friendly relations with the Russian counter-revolutionists, although the latter are at bottom not only the enemies of autonomous Karelia, but also of an independent Finland. The Finnish Govern- ment has sympathetically treated such persons as the Finnish activists, and others, who are attacking the Russian Soviet Republic, and has particularly favored such elements by granting asylum to the instigators of the Kronstadt insurrection. Von Wilcken, Petruchenko, etc., and by giving permission to Savinkov, when he was expelled from Poland, to establish a home in Finland, where his address it Mariegatan, 5, Helsingfors. In the Rukajiirvi district, a military unit is commanded by a former Russian officer, Nikolai Zhukovsky, who recently arrived in Finland with an expedition of 300 men. In a number of detachments operating on the soil of the Karelian Workers' Commune, there are refugees from Kronstadt who were hitherto be- lieved interned in Finland. The expedition concentrated in a number of localities along the Finnish border, opposite Lieksa, whence an expedition of about 700 men penetrated into the Commune of Repola. Kuhmoniemi and Suomussalmi, the terminal points of the new Repola railway, as well as a number of other places, likewise served as gathering points. While these detachments be- fore the last note of the Finnish Government, were occupy- ing particularly the Northern districts in the Karelian Commune, the attacks since then have, on the contrary, been directed chiefly into the southern sections. There is no possibility of maintaining that these are persons that have escaped the vigilance of the Finnish border author- ities; they are rather expeditions operating with the direct assistance of the latter as well as of the other Finnish authorities, and frequently include several hundred men, sometimes as many as a thousand, who cross the boundary ceaselessly. Their uniform, equipment and weapons are unquestionably of Finnish origin. They bear the stamp of the Finnish munitions factory at Riihimaki. But we also have data on the origin of these materials in the statements of the local inhabitants and the prisoners. The latter have enabled us to learn that these bandit gangs are armed and equipped right at the Finnish border. At Kajana there are weapons and foodstuffs, intended for the bandit gangs working in the Kemi district of the Karelian Workers' Commune. From Kemijarvi a quantity of this material was transported to Rukajarvi. The leaders of these bandit gangs, and particularly the "Skyd- dskar" members who participate in them, circulate news- papers among the Karelian country population, calling upon the latter to rise in rebellion, and these newspapers are printed in the printing office of the Finnish "Skyddskar** organ. I believe that these proofs and many others will sufficient- ly indicate the true value of the "complete neutrality" which the Finnish Government is so scrupulously observing. I might further definitely point out that not only well- known newspaper men and active politicians, not only "Skyddskar" members and officers, but also the employees of the Ministers themselves are actively working to organize attacks against the Russian Federation (Mandelin, Valikan- gas, Zilliacus). I may state that also a number of members of the Government, such as Messrs. Kaila and Kai Donner, have given expression to their active sympathy for the Karelian adventure. The manner in which the Finnish Government explains these clearly hostile acts against the Russian Soviet Re public, such as in its address to the so-called "League of Nations", whatever that league may be, cannot conceal the fact that that Government has been acting under the pressure and influence of these activist elements. Already in September, at the Geneva conference, when the now burning events had not yet occurred on the soil of Fin- land's neighbor, Finland gave orders to its representative, Enckell, to attempt to arouse the interest of the League of Nations in the Karelian question. Digitized by Google 132 SOVIET RUSSIA March 1, 1922 Although I have not the slightest intention to intervene in Finland's internal affairs, 1 cannot refrain from observ- ing that the Finnish Government in its entire policy on the subject of Eastern Karelia has been acting in open opposition to the desires of the great majority of the Finnish people and is eager to refrain from obtaining any indications of these desires. This gives the Russian Gov- ernment the right to suppose that the policy of the Finnish Government, in the above-mentioned question also, cannot be regarded as representative of the views and wishes of the majority of the Finnish people, and that this policy is a new evidence of the gambling character of the Government's activity, which is supported in Finland by circles that have no responsibility before the people. Basing ourselves on evidence at our disposal, the Govern- ment of the Russian Soviet Republic considers that the Finnish Government is continuing to the same extent as hitherto, if not to a greater extent, its work in organizing attacks on portions of the Russian Soviet Republic, and has by no means given evidence of any intention of re- turning to the path of the desiderata expressed in the peace treaty. For this reason the Russian Government can- no make any alteration in the measures which in its note of December 5, it requested the Finnish Government to approve. Imbued with the desire for peace, the Govern- ment of the Russian Soviet Republic repeats again that it •till resolutely demands that these measures be immediately carried out. ^ In case the Finnish Government obstinately adheres to its position, particular!^ on the subject of carrying out these measure^ the Russian Government de- clares that the Finnish Government must take upon its shoulders the full responsibility for the serious menace, created by the Finnish Government alone, against the peace with Russia. SEA TRANSPORT The foDowing figures show the work of the Russian liaritime Fleet from January 1 to August 31, 1921: Cargoes shipped Numer of (in tons) passengers carried Black Sea 44,000 52,000 5,000 25,000 229,000 2,277,000 26,000 112,000 905,950 8,444 290,770 Sea of Azov Baltic Sea White Sea Caspian Sea- Dry cargoes .... Oil Total 2,632,000 1343,164 The Black Sea Fleet consists of 119 craft of all descrip- tions. In pre-war days it consisted of 553 steam craft and several hundred barges and sailing craft. The total cargo tonnage of the fleet is about 30,000 tons. Regular steam- ship routes have been opened in the Black Sea, since the middle of 1921 between Odessa and Batum, once a week; Odessa-Nikolayev-Kherson and Kherson-Nikolayev, twice a week; Odessa-Skadosk, Khorly-Eupatoria, Sevastopol-Odessa, all once a week; and Sevastopol- Rostov, once a fortnight. — London Trade Delegation, STUDY OF ORIENTAL MUSIC Energetic work is being carried on in the autonomous Tartar Republic on collecting and studying the folk music of the various nationalities inhabiting the valley of the Volga. So far these studies have resulted in the publication of the following works: **The History of the Folk Music of the Nationalities in the Volga Valley", by Prof. Nikolsky, which has been published in Russia and is shortly to appear in the Tartar, Chuvash, and Mari languages; a book of Tartar music, collected and har- monized by Prokhorov; and another book with similar material collected and arranged for violin and piano by Kodov. The centre of these studies is the School of Oriental Music which encourages and supports all efforts in this direction. The school provides training for over 650 students, of whom more than half are Tartar, Chuvash, Mari, and Votiak, and possesses the status of m university college. New Literature "THE FAMINE IN PICTURES AND APPEALS" A 32-page pamphlet on Russia and the famine. Order m quantity to sell to your friends. 25c per copy Proceeds for Famine Relief. "THE FAMINE IN RUSSIA AND CAPITALISM ABROAD" A 32-page pamphlet telling about the Russian famine and the reaction to it by capitalist governments. Order m quantity for sale. 15c per copy Proceeds for Famine Relirf. "AN AMERICAN REPORT ON THE RUSSIAN FAMINE" A 48-page pamphlet By CAPT. PAXTON fflBBEN who was Secretary of the American Embaaay in Petrograd and member of the Near East Commission and has studied conditions in the famine district of Soviet Russia as perhaps no other man has. 15c per copy Proceeds for Famine Relirf. Famine Relief Edition "TEN DAYS THAT SHOOK THE WORLD" By JOHN REED A graphic account of the first ten days of the revolu- tion in Russia — ten days that made the world sit up and wonder. $1.00 per copy Net Proceeds for Famine Relief. Special Famine Edition "THROUGH THE RUSSIAN REVOLUTION" By ALBERT RHYS WILUAMS $2.00 per copy Net Proceeds for Ftunine Reli^. FAMINE PICTURE POSTALS Use them to %ring home** the Famine te your acquaintances. A Set of 16 for 25c. National Office of THE FRIENDS OF SOVIET RUSSIA 201 W. 13th St, New York City. Digitized by Google Marck 1, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA Books Reviewed 133 **KUZBAS^: An Opportunity for Engineers and Workers. Prospectus, "Kuzbas": Room 303, 110 West 40th Su, New York. February, 1922. Paper, 32 pages. This pamphlet is issued by a group of American workers •Tinpathetic to the plans of the R. S. F. S. R., who are willing to go to the length of emigrating to Western Siberia and* settling there for a long period in order to aid in the economic reconstruction of the country. The present pam- phlet is chiefly a description of the geography, resources and opportunities of the Kuznets Basin, C*Kuzbas** is an abbreviation of these two words), not omitting references to the hardships that would necessarily be encountered by the American workers for at least a year or so after their arrivaL We shall not attempt here to give a complete synopsis of its contents, but believe the statistical informa- tion will be of interest to those of our readers who get the book. Toward the end there is an interesting questionnaire to be filled out by those American workers who wish to comply with the invitation of their comrades to go to Russia. Probably no better support could be given by this magazine to the work of this new organization than by reprinting, as we do herewith, the appeal issued on January 15 at Moscow, to American workers, by the All- Russian Council of Labor Unions as communicated by Roita-Wien, January 17, 1922: **The working class of Soviet Russia, under the most difficult circumstances and in the midst of the greatest disorganization, is creating new forms of life. In this strenuous struggle it is the first problem before the work- ing class to reconstruct big industry, which has been heavily damaged by the war and the blockade, as well as by the •ffensive of the Russian counter-revolutionists and foreign imperialists. Big industry is the bulwark of the proletarian revolution in its struggle against the capitalist world and the basis of the future Communistic Republic "Our foreign comrades have not abandoned their Russian fellow workers. By opposing intervention they have con- tributed to the victories of Soviet Russia over their enemies and have created the possibility for the Russian workers to deal with economic problems. The growing movement of the proletariat in aU countries is forcing the bourgeoisie to change their policy towards Soviet Russia and to end the blodiade that has cut off the Russian industry from the necessary foreign technicians and equipment. The calamity caused by the lack of rain and the famine in Russia has met with the warmest sympathy of the workers in all countries, and the support of the famine stricken peasants of the south is increasing every day. All this is a real and tangible support of the Russian working class in their gigantic struggle against economic ruin. "But this is not sufficient. The direct co-operation of foreign workers is required for the reconstructon of Big Industry. The combined efforts of foreign and Russian workers, shoulder to shoulder in one and the same factory or mine, is necessary to build the foundation for the only Workers' Republic of the world. A group of revolutionary American workers represented by S. 1. Rutgers, H. S. Cal- vert, and others has offered its support in this matter to the Soviet Government. The Soviet ^vemment has accepted this support. The Council of Labor and Defense* of the Russian Soviet Republic has made an agreement with this group of American workers, according to which agreement they receive in their management the big steel works of Nadezhdinsk in the Ural, the Komarovo mines in the Kuznets coal basin (Siberia) and other auxiliary industries. By this agreement 6000 American workers are expected to arrive in Russia, in order to start, together with the Russian workers, the reconstruction of industry io Soviet Russia. •*The American workers will have to be prepared to «ome to a disorganized country and to start their work •For m description of this body, soe Soviet Russia for Fibrmary IS (No. 3). under extremely difficult conditions. We are confident however that by our joint efforts we will overcome the difficulties of the first period and that we will bring to life one of the richest coal and iron deposits of the world. "The American workers will bring their experience in organization and highly qualified production methods, the Russian workers will communicate to their American com- rades their revolutionary enthusiasm and their perseverance in the revolutionary struggle. "Workers of America! The All-Russian Central Com- mittee of the Labor Unions greets your offer to enter our ranks and to create a well founded and mighty socialist economy in Russia. Our combined efforts will be of enormous value; in this way groups of the world pro- letariat that struggle separately for their freedom wiU get closer together and will set an example of proletarian solidarity. Combine with us! Help us surmount this difficult period! Keep in mind that you come to m totally disorganized country and that you do not plan m pleasure trip, but a great and difficult task. The per- severance of the Russian proletariat that has defended tlio achievemenU of iu revolution for four years may inspire you in your efforts. **The Russian workers will greet their new co-workers with enthusiasm, convinced that the American workers vrill demonstrate on our economic front their efficiency and experience. With combined forces we will build the proletarian commonwealth; in common labor we will forge the links of brotherhood between the Labor of America and Russia. "The reconstruction of the Russian industry will guaran- tee the victory of the first Workers' Republic. **The All-Russian Central Committee of Labor-Unions." Reminiscences of Anton Chekhov, by Maxim Gorky, Alex- ander Kuprin and I. A. Bunin. New York. B. W. Huebsch, 1921. Boards, 110 pages. The recollections of three of Chekhov's fellow authon and friends have been translated and published in thia book. The essay by Gorky is the merest sketch, and the other two are not much more elaborate. However, a deal and charming picture of Chekhov as he waa in the latei years of his life emerges from them alL Chekhov, like Tolstoy, had a passionate love for simple and fundamental things. He hated violence and insincerity in any form. "Why," he said to a young author, "write about a man getting into a submarine and going to the North Pole to reconcile himself to the world while at that moment his beloved with a hysterical shriek throwt herself from the belfry? Such things do not happen in reality. One must write about simple things: how Peter Semionovich married Maria Ivanovna. That is all." And when his visitors would try to impress him by talking of philosophy and other learned subjects, Chekhov would either talk simply to them about simple things in which they were interested and in that way force them to be human and interesting, or he would poke sly fun at them. Gorky tells about a lady who once called on Chekhov. She was plump, handsome and well-dressed and she began to talk ^ la Chekhov: "Life is so boring, Anton Pavlovich. Everything is so gray; people, the sea, even the flowers seem to me gray. . . And 1 have no desires. . - my soul is in pain . . it is like a disease." "It is a disease," said Chekhov with conviction, "it is a disease; in Latin it is called morbus imitatus" When Richard Wagner was dying in Venice, he recited his creed: "I believe in Bach, Mozart and Beethoven." Chekhov would have said: "I believe in Maupassant, Flaubert and Tolstoy." He loved literature profoundly, and had a high opinion of the most modern writers. "All vrrite superbly now," he said, "there are no bad vrrilers. Do you know to whom that is due? To Maupassant. He, as an artist in language, put the standard before an author Digitized by Google l.}i SOVIET RUSSIA March 1, 1922 80 high that it is no longer possible to write as of old. You try to read some of our classics, say Pissemsky, Grigorovich or Ostrovsky, and you vrill see what com- monplace stuff it is. Take on the other hand our decad- ents. Thev are only pretending to be sick and crazy, they are all burly peasants* But so far as vrriting goes — they are masters.** Although he was a melancholy and reserved man, Qie- khov had a very keen sense of humor. Often he would joke with his friends as they gathered about the tea table in his charming bungalow at Yalta, overlooking the sea. He would improvise stories in which the charac- ters were his friends, and was particularly fond of ar- ranging weddings which sometimes ended with the young husband the following morning, sitting at the tea table, saying as it were by the way, in an unconcerned tone: "Do you know, my dear, after tea we*ll get ready to go to a solicitor's. Why should you bother about your money?'* But the wretched social conditions in Russia and the consequent degradation of the life about him cast a permanent shadow over his life. He tried to be optimistic about the future, believing that there were forces at work in Russia which would ultimately save it. The Russian- Japanese war was looming on the horizon at the time he died (1904). One wonders what attitude Chekhov would have taken to the stirring events of 1905 and 1917. M. H. revolution was being prepared by which the Bolshevik! attained power. The collection is headed by the complete text of the Russian original of Alexander Blok's The Twelve, of which only a small portion is printed in the pages of the Anthology, J. W. H. BABETTE DEUTSCH and AVRAHM YARMOLINSKY: Modern Russian Poetry, an Anthology Chosen and Translated. New York, Harcourt, Brace and Co., 1921. aoth, 179 pp. n033HH BOJIBIIIEBHCTCKHX ;iHEH. — KHHTOHBAaTen- CTBO „MMCJib". — The Poetry of the Bolshevist Days. "Myal** Publishing House. Berlin, 1921. Paper, 128 pp. The poems in the collection made by Babette Deutsch and Avrahm Yarmolinsky vary in period from the classic work of Pushkin (1799-1837) to the extremely modem productions of Oryeshin, Marienhof, and Shishova, and in length from the single line. Oh, cover thy pale feet, of Valery Bryusov (born 1877), to The Scythians, of Alexander Blok (1880-1921), which occupies three pages of the book. The names are unfortunately mostly strangers to American readers, but it is to be hoped that some of them at least may soon be familiar to their ears. Two that our readers should mark for the present are the reactionary Tyutchev (1803-1873) and the radical Nikolai Nekrassov (1821-1877). Tyutchev is enjoyed by the moderns because "they found in his mentality and sensibility, as well as in his technique, elements foreign to classic normalcy, and akin to their own anguished metaphysics and aesthetics.** Nekrassov's work is marked by a "strong social and civic preoccupa- tion. He declared that this interest interfered with his poetry. As a matter of fact, his *Muse of Vengeance and Wrath* was an uncertain creature. He threw untrans- muted into his poetry the raw stuff of satire and feuilleton, of parody and pamphlet. At his best he can move the reader with his stinging pity and his passionate self-scorn. He is perhaps chiefly remembered by his epic: IT ho Lives Happily in Russia?, which holds in its vast frame the very essence of the misery and the thwarted vigor of the Russian peasant.** In another column of this issue we are reprint- ing the translation that appears in this volume of one of the sections of Who Lives Happily in Russia?, the famous Salt Song. The March 15 issue of Soviet Russia will print among other things a brilliant study of Nekrassov's work and social significance, written on the occasion of the one-hundredth anniversary of his birth (1921) by A. V. Lunacharsky, People's (Commissar for Education of the Russian Socialist Federated Soviet Republic. The other book. The Poetry of the Bolshevist Days, is a collection of the more successful poems written by the younger poets of Russia (including a number whose work appears also in the Anthology of Babette Deutsch and Avrahm Yarmolinsky) since the days in 1917 when the riAB. By^EB: KpacHWH Cods Pa6oiM h Ciymamn IlHII^eBOH npOMUniJeHHOCTH B COBeTCKOS POCCHH. (KpaiKHH HCTopHqecKBH oqepK). — Paul Budayev: The Red Labor Union of Food Workers in Soviet Russia (Short Historical Outline). Moscow, 1921, 64 pages. 3000 copies printed. This little book is an historical account of the rise, development and activities of the All-Russian Foodworkers* Union, from 1906 to 1920. The author. Paul Budayev, is the Secretary of the Central Executive Committee of the All-Russian Foodworkers* Union. He is apparently well fitted for the job, for he has produced a book that is scientific in treatment, chronological in arrangement, and authoritative in selection. This brief history presents a panoramic view of the or- ganization and structure of the Trade Union Movement in Soviet Russia; of the eflBciency with which all of Russia*! foodworkers have organized; and the role of support given by them in strengthening and stabilizing Soviet institutions in Russia. The subject matter is arranged for convenience, as fol- lows: 1. The Rise and Development of the Foodworkers* Trade Union Movement from 1906 to 1914. 2. Rise of the All-Russian Union and the First Conference. 3. The first All-Russian Convention. 4. The Second All-Russian Convention and its cooperation with the Food Division of the Supreme Clouncil of National Economy. 5. The Conclusion tells of the activities, the numerical strength, and the official organ {The Voice of the Food' worker) of the Union. Finally, there are two supple- ments, in the form of international appeals (the first by radio) issued by the presidium of each of the two conventions, to the European, American, Asiatic and Australian workers, for participation in the Food- workers* International Red Labor Union. The grovfth of membership is shown in the following table: Year No.ofWorkcn 1917 (November) 110,000 1918 (January) 190,000 1920 (March) 222,000 1920 (December) 263,000 The number of trades and their relative representation, embraced in the All-Russian Foodworkers* Union, are of considerable interest also. Trades No. of Delegates % Bakers 48 35.42 Confectioners 21 15.60 Flour-MiUers 20 14.96 Delicatessen 10 7.48 Brewers 6 4.56 Fish 5 3.92 Dairy, Meat, Yeast 10 7.48 Clerks 4 2.12 Technical 2 1.62 Indefinite 10 7.48 Total 136 100.00 I Interesting statistics are also given for the political dis- tribution (party affiliation) of the 136 delegates to the first All-Russian (Convention of Foodworkers (January, 1919). J. R. M. Digitized by Google March 1. 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA 135 Relief Contributions, February 1-14 The following is a complete list of all contributions received at the National Office of tlie Friends of Soviet Russia, 201 West 13ili St.. New York, durinf the first half of last month. "F. S. R." stands for "Friends of Soviet Russia"; **S. T. A. S. R," for "Society of Technical Aid to Soviet Russia". Each contribution is accompanied by the official number appearing on the contributor's receipt. Receipt No. Contributors Amount 3381 C. J. Alcott. Bridgewater, Mass. 10.00 3382 B. Francis. Portland. Maine .. 5.00 3383 R. & C. Butner. Cleveland. 0. 2.00 3384 Peter H. Wiertz. N. Y. City 1.00 3385 C. H. Dickman, Missoula. Mont. 1.00 3386 P. Johnston & D. Nickelson, Hnmphrey Channel. B. C. Can. 2.79 3387 H. S. Reis, BerUn, Germany.. 1.32 3388 Nat KapUn. New York City.. 3.00 3389 B. A. Koapp. Detroit. Mich 10.00 3390 J. C Wright, S. Bellingham, Wash. 5.00 3391 S. Flaumenhaft, Brooklyn, N. Y. 5.00 3392 L. J. Anderson, Boston, Mass. Cancelled— See 3537 3393 N. Wascowitz, Bronx, N. Y... 1.00 3394 N. 1. Kisbor, New York Qty 5.00 3395 Alei Vink, New York City.... 2.00 3396 C. Hope, S. S. Chestrsun.... 2.00 3397 A. Schneider, S. S. Chcstersun 1.00 3398 S. Schneider. S. S. Chestersun 1.00 3399 Pcder Nielsen. S. S. Chestersun 1.00 3400 T. E. WilUams, S. S. Chestersun 2.00 3401 Coll. by Ed. G. Nix. Secy, Huntington, lod 5.00 3402 J. L. Mathuson. Los Angeles, Cal 3.00 3403 B. Semuel. Erie, Pa 2.00 3404 Mr. & Mrs. Lena. Ft. Wyne. Ind. 2.00 3405 A. T. W. of A.. Passaic. N. J. 26.31 3406 List No. 13969. thru Andrew J. MacDonald. Flat River. Mo... 14.25 3407 Coll. by Mrs. Eda Kowkly A Mrs. L. Angriwits. Detroit. Mich. 13.50 3408 Coll. by Cari Fahl. Bklyn. N. Y. 2.50 3409 I. A. of M., Rock Oty Lodge No. 154, NashviUe, Tenn 2.50 3410 Harold Coy, Tucson, Aris. 1.50 3411 F. S. R. Br. Hudson Co.. N. J. 100.00 3412 M. C. Salter. Kalamazoo. Mich. 1.00 3413 P. Zemoz. Youngstown. Ohio 1.00 3414 List No. 7188, J. Sivoknuk. Manchester. N. H. (Buttons 85.) 62.50 3415 F. S. R. Br. Lists No. 2744. 2745. 2757. 2758, 2771. Eliz., N. J 200.00 3416 B. of Painters. D. & P., Local. Brooklyn. N. Y 100.00 3417 J. T. Hslone & Family. Warm Springs, Mont 5.00 3418 Chas. Harm, Coalinga. Calif. 5.00 3419 J. Willemsen. St. LouU. Mo... 5.00 3420 G. A. Rindt & C. W. PenUcost. Danville. Ill 5.00 3421 Children's Club. Erie, Ps 2.00 3422 F. S. R. Br., Chicago, III... 1.700.00 3423 F. S. R. Br.. Boston, Mass. 400.00 3424 Coll. by W. F. Liebenberg. Nucla, Colo 55.50 3425 Women's Sewing Club, Jsckson- ville, 74.75 3426 Fin. Wkrs. Club, Bessemer, Mich 32.88 3427 Coll. by H. Hnltstrom. Norwood, Mass. 6.75 3428 V. Krantsieder. New Baden. III. 3.15 3429 F. S. R. Br. Rochester, N. Y. 150.00 3430 L. Crokacrts, Downey P. O., Cal. 10.00 3431 F. S. R. Br. Los Angeles, Cal. 3,000.00 3432 List No. 13393 thru Mrs. Ida Hoffman. New Haven. Conn.... 71.50 3433 Uth. Chorus, MoUne. III.... 23.20 3434 A. L. D. S. D.. Moline. lU. 6.25 3435 L. M. P. S., Mollnr, 111 15.00 3436 Lith. Workers. Moline. III... 25.00 3437 F. S. R. Branch, Moline. 111. 93.55 3438 F. S. R. Br.. Gardner. Mass.. 50.00 3439 F. S. R. Br.. Norwich. Conn. 48.27 3440 Coll. by V. Turovetz, Fall River, Mass 22.25 3441 E. Altcnburg, Houaton, Texas 5.00 3442 F. S. R. Br.. W. Frankfort. 111. 349.86 3443 F. S. R. Br.. Hartford, Conn. 70.14 S4U Cen. Labor U.. Hartford, Conn. 10.00 3445 Coll. by N. Ulsky. Oregon City, Ore 26.75 3446 F. S. R. Br.. Mason City. Iowa 10.93 5447 F. S. R- Br.. Two Harbors, Minn. 10.50 3448 Coll. by Qiaa. Palmita, Stone« boro. Pa 2.25 3449 A Friend. Annville. Pa 1.50 Receipt No. CcntributOT$ Amount 3430 3451 3452 3453 3454 3455 3456 3457 3458 3459 3460 3461 3462 3463 3464 3465 3466 3467 3468 3469 3470 3471 3472 3473 3474 3475 3476 3477 3478 3479 3480 3482 3483 3484 3485 3486 3487 3488 3489 3490 3491 3492 3493 3494 3495 3496 3497 3498 3499 3500 3501 3502 3.S03 3504 3505 3506 3507 3508 3509 3510 3.511 3512 3513 3SU 3515 3". 16 3517 .r"il8 3510 3520 3521 3522 3523 35?4 3515 K. Hamalainen, List 4869, Grand Rapids, Mich 8.25 M. L. Brondige, Pontiac, Mich. 10.00 M. E. Depew, Pontiac. Mich.. 5.00 W. Simonson, Larchmont, N. Y. 5.00 August Kollman, N. Y. C 2.50 F. S. R. Br., Mason City, lows 8.50 F. S. R. Br., San Francisco. Cal. 440.00 F. S. R. Br., St. Paul. Minn.. 125.00 Hoquiam I. W. W., Hoquiam. Waah 50.00 J. Tangborn. Schleswig, Iowa.. 12.00 Eunice Gray, Carmel, Calif 6.00 Cen. Labor Coun., Tacoma. Wash 21.65 Lists 10305. 10306. 10307 thru A. M. Hirsh, N. Y. C 6.00 O. M. Clark, Hempstead, N. Y. 10.00 F. S. R. Br., San Diego. Calif. 100.00 F. S. R. Br., Schenectady, N. Y. 100.00 Kaih. G. Biddle, Phila., Pa. 100.00 F. S. R. Br., CleveUnd. Ohio 250.00 Miners of No. 1 & 2, Belleville. Ill 35.00 C Gilbert, Randolph Center. Vt 30.00 F. S. R. Br., Buffalo, N. Y... 5.00 Ust 14215 thru O. Schriver, Dayton, Fla 28.00 U. M. W. No. 1957, Waterman, Pa 25.00 Coll. by L. Noll, Ransom. Kans. 21.00 F. S. R. Br., Butte, Mont... 25.00 F. S. R. Br., Lowell. Mass 20.00 Jsmes Jordan, Winfield. Kans. 20.00 H. Blugerman, Toronto. Can. 10.00 Coll. by J. I. Grernspun. Little Rock. S. C. 10.00 R. E. Read. Billings. Mont 10.00 Axel Hanson A Family, Los Angeles. Cal 10.00 W. S. & D. B. F.. No. 133, Dayton, 10.00 E. G. Whitney, San Francisco. Cal 10.00 J. P. Haven, Casmalia. Calif. 5.00 A. E. Harrington. Fairhope, Ala. 5.00 F. Hitzelbergcr. St. Joseph, Mo. 5.00 F. W. Fischer, Chicago, lU.. 5.00 Coll. by J. Sans, Buffalo, N. Y. 3.00 M. H. Chapin. Rutland. Vt. 2.00 H. E. Sawdon, St. Elmo. Tenn. 1.00 F. S. R. Br.. Cleveland. Ohio 401.03 F. S. R. Br.. Pittsburgh. Pa.. 86.12 Coll. by A. Derman, BainSeld, B. C, Canada 24.63 Fin. Relief Com.. Park City. U. 13.50 Coll. J. Perz, Ferndale. Wash. 8.75 F. S. R. Br., Salt Lake City, U. 11.50 H. P. Daugherty, N. Y. City 5.00 Chas. Ahlfors, Chestr, Mass 5.00 R. White Ham., Canada (Can. n) 93 C. Kuharick, List 2698. Cleve- land. Ohio 9.70 J. C. Lockerman. Cleveland. O. 5.00 James Kabela. LImon. Colo... .50 Mrs. L. V. Bli«. Boulder, Colo. 5.00 Mrs. T. M. Read. Boulder, Colo. 2.00 Max Noak. Boulder. Colo 1.00 C. R. Streamer, Boulder, Colo. 1.00 R. A. Shonz. Boulder. Colo 10.00 A. Smersrheck, Boulder. Colo. 5.00 A Friend. Boulder. Colo 1.00 Dr. I. D. Scott. Boulder, Colo. 5.00 A. W. Hulse, Boulder, Colo. 1.00 C. C. House. Boulder. Colo. 5.00 A. T. Smedes. Boulder. Colo. 1.00 Fred While, Boulder. Colo 1.00 Henry Banm, Boulder, Colo.... 1.00 G. F. Heller. BouUK-r. Colo.. 1.00 W. E. Sherman, Denver. Colo. 1.00 H. A. Hanson. Boulder. Colo. 1.00 E. W. Chamnlon. BouMer. Colo. 2.no Mrs. W. C. Kerr. Boulder. Colo. 5.00 H. Stevens Boulder. Colo 2.00 John Wahlcren. Boulder. Colo. 2.00 M. L. Moshcr, Jamestown, Colo. 1.00 E.O. Kemntner Jamettown Cr>I. 1.00 L. r. Dodge, Jamestown. Colo. 1.00 F. H. Dunlear. Jamestown. Col'». 1.00 Receipt So. Contributors 3526 3527 3528 3529 3530 3531 3532 3533 3534 3535 3536 3537 3538 3539 3540 3541 3S12 3543 3544 3545 3546 3547 3548 3549 3550 3551 3552 3553 3554 3555 3556 3557 3558 3561 3562 3563 3564 3565 3566 3567 3568 3569 3570 3571 3572 3573 3574 3575 3376 3577 3578 3579 35R0 3581 3582 3583 3584 3586 35R7 3588 3589 3590 S'JOl 3592 3503 3594 3^.05 35% 3597 3598 3599 3600 3601 :5602 Al. Orpsten. Jamestown. Colo. C. Stockton. Jamestown, Colo. A. Hemstead, Jamc«town. Colo. I. S. Bayer. Jamcatown. Colo. C. Barryman. Jamestown. Colo. Howard Tower. Jameatwon, Colo. L. G. Shipley, Jamestown, Colo. Laura Mills, Boulder, Colo.... J. W. Jameson, Boulder, Colo. R. W. Joslyn, Boulder, Colo. W.L. Armstrong, Boulder, Colo. Rev. L. J. Anderson, Boston, Mass. Canadian f88 L. S. Lowe. Tucson, Ariz..... F. S. R. Br., Yonkers, N. Y. Coll. B. Carmen, Louisville, Ky. Fed. of Lsbor. SpringBeld, 111. Coll. L. Pirka. Zeigler. 111. I. Serier, Kennewick. Wash... Hector C. Brancoto. N. Y. C. G. Lipinski. Jersey City. N. J. E. N. Barber, Kent, Ohio R. V. Grachs, S. S. Chestersun A. A. Mencke, Cleveland. O. F. S. R. Br., Flint, Mich Dr. D. L. Bazell, Pittsburg, Pa. CarroUr Martin, Chicago, 111. Chas. Sykcs, Glendrive, Mont. F. S. R. Br., Baltimore, Md. F. S. R. Br.. Woonsocket, R. I. Combined Holland A Belgian Soc, Dorchester, Mass Peoples Hall A., Toivola. Mich. J. Smith. Manchester, N. H., on List 7189 Coll. by Chas. D. Hirst, SaUne- ville, O The Class Room Republics of W. H. Potter of Lincoln High School, Los Aneeles, Calif.... R. C. Holbrook, New Kamilche, Wash F. W. Andrews, New Kamilche. Wash F. J. Kennedy. Lawrence, Mass. George Dreach, Mercer, Pa... Robt. E. Weaver. Reading. Pa. F. S. R. Br.. Chicago, HI F. S. R. Br.. Boston. Mass.... F. S. R. Br.. Lawrence. Mass. U. M. W. 2059. Dillonville. O. F. S. R. Br.. Stelton. N. J. T. M. Nagle. Wesleyville, Pa. Am. Lith. Workers Lit. Soc.. Kenosha. Wis U. S. Natl. Bank, San Diego, Cal Fin. Co-oper. Trad. A., Bklyn Benj. Fine. Cleveland. Ohio.. Beljj. Croup. New Bedford, Mass M. J. Plousker. Chicago. 111. F. S. R. Br.. Gary. Ind B. M. Lauck. Supply, Okla. P. R. Matkowski. Mason Citv, la Dr. S. Schiro, Fresno. Calif. F. S. R. Br.. Newburry, Mich. Slovenic Nat. Benefit Soc. Russelton, Pa S. S. OssAto. Mass. Mich... Coll. by Mrs. Eda Kor^klv & Mrs. B. Argiewici. Detroit, Mich Anonymous, Ottawa. Canada.. F. S. R. Br., New Haven. Conn. Fin. Wkrs. A., Chisholm. Minn. H. W. Doscher, Salt Lake C. U. J. Whittle Honolulu. Hawaii J. Rosenstein, Honolulu Hawaii F. S. R. Br., Nrwhnrry. Mich. A. C. Hanson. Medimont. Ida. H. B. Uuedeman, Forsyth, Mont. Sarah A. Rohn Canton, Ohio Ch. Delch, Jarksonville. Fla. Anonymous. Duluth, Minn.... F. S. R. Br., Lynn, Mass. First Gcr. Cong. Church, Hebron, N. D German Emanuel Sunday School. Hebron, N. D Carl BiefTart Hebron N. D. Anonymous. Hartford, Conn.... Dr. J J. McVcx Haverhill. Mass. Amount 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 2.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 5.00 5.00 87.16 1.00 250.00 10.00 10.00 6.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 3.00 1.00 S.OO 80.00 10.00 10.00 3.50 246.32 96.00 118.38 51.31 27.90 17.50 11.18 1.00 .50 4.00 2.00 2.00 1.000.00 300.00 175.00 129.00 100.00 50.00 18.00 1.000.00 200.00 10.00 5.00 5.00 125.00 .5.00 5.00 5.00 21.06 42.15 37.75 23.50 4.00 600.00 25.00 20.00 5.00 5.00 21.06 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 10.00 116.19 22JJ9 12.00 5.00 S.OO 2.00 Digitized by Google 136 SOVIET RUSSIA March 1, 1922 Receipt No. Coatributon J6M F. S. R. Br., Worcester, Meat. 200.00 !!?; « « • *• ^''* Scranton, P«. 100.00 3605 F. S. R. Br.. Sioux Qty, U. 22.44 JSS E; ^^ 5- ^'•' Wilmington, Del. 15.50 3607 W. C School, Wilminfton. Del. 5.00 3608 Anonymous. Brooklyn, N. Y. 1.000.00 3609 F. H. Weavereon. New CeiUAn. Conn 50 OQ 3610 ItaL Ben. A. BridgeWIle P«. 50.00 3611 Members of Nation Staff N. Y. 11.00 3612 A. Upidus. Hudson FalU. N.Y. 5.00 3613 S. E. Coble Huntington, Ind. 2.00 8614 C. W. Kaley, Uuniingtoo, Ind. 2.00 3615 W. J. Cooarty. Hammond, Ind. 2.00 8616 C. E. Leibrock. Mascontah. IIU 2,00 3617 F. S. R., Brooklyn, List 9695 26.25 3618 W. S. & D. B. F. 101, Chic. 111. 10.10 3619 John Druzsin. Palmertsn. Pa. 1.00 3620 Wm. Sellers. Boulder, Colo.... 8.00 3621 Marcelle Couin Wash. D. C. 1 00 3622 R. B. Hajres Redding, Calif. 1.00 3623 S. E. Price, Boulder. Colo... 1.00 3624 W. W. Whitney Boulder, Colo. 2.00 3625 Eben E. Fine. Boulder, Colo. 10.00 3626 Wm. Sellers. Boulder. Colo 3.00 3627 P. A. Ballard, Boulder, Colo. 2.00 3628 H. S. Vickery, Jamestown, Colo 1.00 3629 H. S. Hadley, Boulder, Colo. 5.00 3630 John Shadlcy. Boulder, Colo. 5.00 3631 Ella Ouonkebush. Boulder Colo. 2.00 3632 C. S. Lesser, Boulder. Colo. 1.00 3633 Dr. H. M. Buttler, Boulder, Col. 2.00 3634 Elii, Clapper. Boulder Colo. 2.00 3635 R. E. Arnett. Boulder, Colo. 2.00 3636 Dr. E. L. Mumma. Boulder, Col. 5.00 3637 F. S. U%rts, Hollywood, Cal. 2.50 3638 L.W. Cumberford. Boulder, Colo 1.00 3639 J. H. Gibson, Boulder, Colo. 2.50 3640 Mary Z. Hart, Boulder, Cola. 1.00 3641 J. A. McKenna Boulder. Colo. 50.00 3642 A. Orcioe, Boulder Colo... 1.00 3643 Coll. from P. O. Employees. Boulder Colo H.oo 3644 F.S.R.Scrsnton & Olyphant. Pa 305.00 3645 Russian German Sick Benefit Soc.. Racine. Wis 51.00 3646 F.S.R. Br.. Kansas City, Mo. 50.00 3647 Palo Wkrs. Soc, Aurora, Minn. 15.00 3648 H. Whittemore, Glendale, Cal. 5.00 8649 Sara Robbins, Glendale, Calif. 5.00 3650 William Aske, Cincinnati, O. 5.00 3651 V. Meltx. So. Holland, 111. 2.00 3652 Wm. Urdang, Los Angeles CsL 4.00 3653 Coll. M. Mustapich, St. David, IM 13.40 3654 M. J. Undry (Collection), Los Angeles Cal 1,75 3655 John P. McCarthy. N. Y. C. 4.00 3656 A. Allura Brooklyn. N. Y... 10.00 3657 Nat Kaplan. New York City 3.00 3658 F.S.R. Br.. Morgantown, W. Va. 100.00 3659 F. S. R. Br.. Waierbury, Conn. 60.00 3660 Circles of Light, Buffala. N. Y. 20.00 3661 Dr. Sidney B. Uvy. N. Y. C. 15.00 3662 O. of R. R. Tel.. St. Louis. Mo. 15.00 3663 Alex O'Hare, Chicago, 111... 10.00 3664 Ben. Soc. of U. S. for Prop. of Crem. Br. 48. San Fran. Cal. 6.00 8665 Johann Rae Great Falls Moot. 5.00 Mont 5.00 3666 F. S. R. Br. St. Louis, Mo. 50.00 3667 Aug. Mencke, Cleveland Ohio 5.00 3668 J. Borry. Thief R. Falls. Mont. 5.00 3669 J. Kotinsky. New Orleans, La. 3.00 3670 S. Grecnbprg, New Orleans, La. 2.00 3671 Karroll Mtnies, New Orleans, La. 1.00 3672 A. J. Wraight. Ft. Wayne, Ind. 8.00 3673 A. Lebonrk. Davenport. la 1.00 3674 Henry Mavah. St. Paul, Minn. 1.00 3675 Cx. Slov. Marx. Fed. Chic HI. 1.182.55 3676 F. S. R. Br. San Fran.. CaU 550.40 3677 F. S. R. Br. Milwaukee. Wise 92.48 3678 Fin. Soc Club. Aberdeen. Wash. 91.80 8679 J. E. McDonald. Roseburg. Ore. 77.15 3680 F.S.R., Wilkes Bsrre Plsints. Pa. 76.30 3681 F. S. R. Branch. Astoria. Ore. 61.38 3682 F. S. R. Br.. Newburry, Mich, 41.50 3683 Ukr. Wrknpmens A.. Tavlor. Pa. 23.90 3684 Chas. Kis^lis, Lists 6528-6540. Racine. Wis 14.60 3685 Dr. W.S. Fogg, Lockeford Cal. 5.75 3686 Wm. Posthumus. Yoiingstown. O. 25.00 3687 Ceo. Si rmund Eureka. Calif. 5.00 3688 Mrs. Bobin. W. Somerville 44, MsBs 1.00 The next issue of Soviet Rhssta will print the remaining contributions for February (15th to 28th inclusive) and will state the total for the entire xnonth. SIGN THE ROLL CALL From the depths of brave, frozen Russia comes this most terrible of aU cries 44 11 WE STARVE! WILL YOU ANSWER? The next two months will be the most crucial. Reports coming from Russia paint pitiful pictures. Here— the dying are eating their dead, there — mothers are drowning their children to silence their heart- rending cries for bread. The Russian steppes are literally covered with skeletons, the wasted bodies the prey of wolves. How many more shall die before YOU act? WELL YOU SIGN THE ROLL CALL? Immense cargoes of food MUST be shipped AT ONCE to save the starving. If the powers of the world would grant Soviet Russia credit and re-establish trade with her, she could help herself in this awful crisis. Until credit is extended YOU MUST HELP. Those who help now will have aided Soviet Russia in her DIREST NEED. SIGN THE ROLL CALL! GIVE!! The food your money will buy will carry with it the ROLL CALL BOOK in which YOUR name MUST appear. Your signature in this book will mark a permanent record of your true friendship for Soviet Russia. We want not only George Bernard Shaw, H. L. Mencken, Frank Harris, Francis Hackett, George Russell. Frank P. Walsh, Dudley Field Malone, Upton Sinclair to answer the ROLL CALL, but every reader of "SOVIET RUSSIA" must sign at once. Use the coupon below. FRIENDS OF SOVIET RUSSIA 201 West 13th Street, New York City Endorsed by the Chieaco, Detroit. SMttle, Tacmia, Toronte, Moatreal, Portland, Trenton, Minneapolis, Denver. Ogden, Mansfield, Richmond, Waskingten, Hartford, Binghamton, Rockford, San Diego, St. Paul, Belleville, Los Aageles Central Labor ConncUs and by hundreds of local unions and other workers* •rganisatioBB. Sign up! Prove your sympathy for Soviet Russia! Prove that you stand for ''Hands Off"— Except to Help! For this great workers* experiment may yet make the dream of all of us come true! Friends of Soviet Russia^ 201 West 13th Street, New York Gty. My contribution for famine relief in Soviet Russia is % which sum is herewith enclosed. Please insert this coupon with my signature in the ROLL CALL BOOK registering rae as a friend of Soviet Russia in the hour of her greatest meed. Name Address City Soviet Rtutia Digitized by Google 922. Radek on Genoa SOyiET RUSSIA Semi-Monthly Official Organ of the Friends of Soviet Russia Fifteen Cents March 15, 1922 Vol, VI, No, 5 Fleeing Before Death T}u9 poster by Deni represents a scene that was eammon along the Volga daring the early days 0/ the Famine last Summer, Great hosts of peasants flocked westward in search of food, until it became necessary to send out special emissaries to persuade them to stick to their lands. It is in order to maintain these masses at their post that we are sending food and tractors to Russia, TABLE OF CONTENTS Pack Soviet Russia and Genoa, by Karl Radek 138 Exchange op Letters Between Captain Hibben and Secretary Hoover 141 How the Soviet Government Works: V. Local Soviet Congresses 145 Note to Esthonu 147 Pace Editorials 149 Nikolai Nekrassov, by A. Lunacharsky 150 The Chanced World Situation, by Leon Trouky 153 Skobelev on Russo-French Relations 157 Financial Statement 157 List of Contributions, February 15-28 159 1wic« • MuoUi ai 111) West 40th St.. New York. Edited aad Pub(i«)i«l by Jacob Wiitmer UurUoaofu siiibecriptJoo Haiai |i.&U p-n mawum. tmmnd m aecttnd cUm aAtter JaaMry 39. 1921. at th» Pom OAco at New York. N. Y.. umier tke Act ol Uxtth ft. 1879. Digitized by Google 138 SOVIET RUSSIA March 15, 1922 Soviet Russia and Genoa By Karl Radek {The Genoa Conference, originally called for March 8, would by this time have begun its deliber- ations if it had not been postponed, perhaps indefinitely, at the request of the powers who had ex- pressed the desire to hold such a Conference, Radek* s article correctly states the Soviet Governments position with regard to the Conference, which will be read with interest whether the Conference comes off or not,) TTHE Conference of Prime Ministers at Cannes decided to call an international conference for March, to take up the question of reconstruct- ing world economy. Soviet Russia has been official- ly invited to this conference. Neither France nor the United States of America, whose representative. Colonel Harvey, was present at the Cannes Con- ference, made any protest against this decision. The decision signifies a great shift in the inter- national situation. The opinion of the greatest authorities among the economists of the bourgeois world has now been approved officially by the Supreme Council of the Entente: there is no possi- bility of reconstructing world economy without the par^cipation of Russia. But the decision means more: it is a recognition that the Entente, which was hoping that famine might overthrow the Soviet power, has become convinced of the futility of its hopes, and that the Soviet power is the only pos- sible authority in Russia. The chief political paper of France, the Temps, is forced to declare: "In spite of the crimes of the Soviet Government, it is the only power that is now in a position to guide the national policy of Russia. The Soviet power defends the national independence against hostile attacks and against foreign intrigues; it speaks in the name of the Russian people." This admission of the leading organ of the intervention policy is a confession of the impotence of that policy. It does not mean that the Entente will make no further efforts to overthrow us by armed force, but it does mean that the Entente has now grasped the fact that all such plans in the past have been fruitless, and desires to conclude peace with us. This decision of the Entente is the result of three years of struggle, of a year of watchful wait- ing, arms in hand, of eager hope for convulsions from within; it is the most important event of present world politics. It means that in spile of the incredibly sluggish pace of world revolu- tion, it has been impossible to destroy Soviet Russia, that the breach we cut in the system of capitalist nations in 1917 remains unhealed. A relation of un- stable equilibrium now ensues. Soviet Russia has not been able, owing to the slow progress of world revolution, to continue its important steps in the path of socialistic reconstruction. The country was even forced to retrace its steps, to make greater concessions to international capital than would have been necessary even in a petty bourgeois Russia, if the proletariat had been victorious m only one industrial nation. But the capitalist gov- ernments are not able to give battle to Soviet Russia. They are obliged to tolerate this land of the peas- ants' and workers' authority, and to establish a modus Vivendi with it. Recognition for the Soviet Government In the telegram in which the English Government makes known to the Soviet Government the de- cision to invite its representatives to the Interna- tional Conference, it is stated that the conditions for a recognition of the Soviet Government will be discussed at this conference, if the Soviet Govern- ment should desire it This formulation is merely a subterfuge. The invitation of Soviet Russia to the International Conference, at which the condi- tions for reconstructing world economy are to be drawn up, is of itself a recognition of the Soviet authority, if under certain circumstances it will assume the obligations which the capitalist powers consider necessary in order to draw Russia into the active system of international economy. There is no isolated question of recognizing the Soviet power, and no isolated question of economic rela- tions. The question of the loan conditions and the conditions for indemnities to be paid by Soviet Russia to guarantee the loan and the payment of interest and sinking fund, what else is this but the question of recognizing the Soviet power? The Soviet power has not applied for a certificate of morality from the Government of Lloyd George, Briand, or Harding; we feel no desire to have our virtue acknowledged by governments that are op- pressing the masses of their workers. What we need is real, business-like relations with them, and these relations will force the capitalist governments to drop their persecution of Soviet Russia. The French Government has not hitherto desired to resupie relations with us; assuming that they would defeat us, they called the Russian gold "stolen gold"; the Russian factories and mines were called "expropriated" factories and mines. The moment the capitalists of all lands understand that they cannot defeat us by force of arms, and are ready to enter into business relations with us, they will find themselves obliged to recognize our Govern- ment and to regard all things they may obtain from us as rightfully acquired, and not as stolen. Conditions for Recognizing the Soviet Power. The Soviet power can speak with absolute clear- ness as to the conditions for its recognition; th© more clearly these conditions are placed before the eyes of the world, the more probable will it become that the March Conference vrill not be a fruitless shipwreck. Digitized by Google March IS, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA 139 The formulation of these conditions will mean calling the attention of the entire capitalist world with absolute clearness to the actual conditions of affairs in Russia. The Entente has touched upon the question of recognizing the old debts. This question has rather a legal than a material signifi- cance, at any rate the material significance in the first few years will be slight. For the present, Soviet Russia has no means of paying the old debts. And any Government that might take its seat in the Kremlin would be obliged to declare: "You cannot take bread from a stone." A White Govern- ment could not make gold from paper, would not be able to squeeze grain and raw materials out of the starving peasants to the extent necessary for the payment of the old debts. The formulation in the last few weeks of the question as to what debts we are ready to recognize is merely an attempt to force us to recognize all sorts of debts that may now exist anywhere on earth — this attempt is sim- ply a tactical move. It is supremely unimportant to set up a classification of debts, but one thing is im- portant: Will the Entente place credits at Russia's disposal in order to guarantee the rehabilitation of Russian economy? Even if the Soviet Government should be ready to-day to recognize Russian nation- al debts to the extent of one hundred billion gold rubles — ^no man on earth knows the precise figure of Russia's debt — the Entente would not obtain the slightest advantage from this recognition, for it would remain a scrap of paper. Does anyone now really believe that Germany will still be paying debts twenty years from now? The Entente does not know whether it will not itself be obliged in a year to cancel the obligations of the Entente Governments to one another. There is probably not a single sensible man in all the Entente nations who would now venture to say what will be the alignment of forces in world politics ten years from now and what will be the conditions under which the obligations are to be discharged that have been assumed by one nation or the other. The recognition of the debts is supposed to give to one nation or the other a certain privilege in concessions, in order to guarantee the loans which are now being placed at Russia's disposal for the rehabilitation of its economic life. The principal task of the Conference will consist in determining the proportions of the loans, the organizations advancing them, and the conditions under which they are raised. Everything else will be mere dip- lomatic side play. Soviet Russia and the Capitalist Powers, The return of Soviet Russia to the world's eco- nomic life, its readmission to the present group of nations, involves a number of questions of general and special nature. The general questions in the first place are questions of the internal policy of Soviet Russia. May capital go on actual- ly operating on its territory under the workers' dictatorship? At first the Entente proposed con- ditions. It wanted to dictate to Soviet Russia altera- tions in its system of government. Soviet Russia de- clared it would not tolerate such meddling. The fact that the Entente no longer speaks of these conditions shows that it is ready to admit that 150 million Russians are not in the position of Negroes of the Congo or of a now defenseless China. It shows that the Entente is beginning to understand that although the Russian Government and the working class at the present moment may find it necessary to admit foreign capital, the Entente will nevertheless be obliged to fix the legal forms and the institutions required ti? raise the productive forces of Russia, as soon as the use of foreign capital may cease to be a matter of newspaper discussions and become an actual fact Capitalism existed during the feudal period, during the period of enlightened despotism, in the demo- cratic republic and in the oligarchic republic. Capitalism is capable of adapting itself to con- ditions; it will be obliged to reckon with the con- ditions existing in Russia and it will reckon with these conditions if the political conditions are im- pregnable, but at the same time guarantee some' pro- fit to capitalism. On the other hand, the new eco- nomic policy and the legal norms of Soviet Russia are not rigid forms. In Russia there will be no pure capitalism and no pure communism; there will be no pure capitalism so long as the Soviet power of the workers and peasants exists; there will be no pure communism, unless the international work- ing class is victorious, and unless it can bring real advantage to the peasants and thus prove to the peasantry the value of the communist system. Another general question in our relations with the capitalist powers is concerned with those en- terprises that transcend the powers of a capitalist group, and for which their united action is neces- sary. As soon as such steps are actually taken, the Soviet Government will of course not oppose them. The essence of the question is this: What are the conditions, and what is the character of the enterprises to be formed? Do these conditions threaten the independence of Russia, do they mean an enslavement of Russia? All negotiations on consortiums have thus far been of purely academic character. In the first place, all such magnificent enterprises require billions in funds. Without America no international consortium is possible. But is America now ready to engage in such tre- mendous affairs as would be involved in an inter- national consortium, and is America ready to go into the question of reconstructing Europe at all? On March 31 of last year America's long time loans amounted to $16,000,000,000. Her short time loans were $7,500,000,000. The interest on the American national debt is now more than a billion dollars a year. In 1914 the entire national debt of America was not as high as one billion dollars. The whole American budget was one billion dollars. It follows that America is now paying more inter- est per year on its national debt than was the entire amount of its national debt before the war, or the entire American budget before the war. In Digitized by Google 140 SOVIET RUSSIA March IS, 1922 ▼lew of this state of affairs, the most unportant question for America is that of new taxes. The central thought of the speech delivered by Harding after his inauguration was that of limiting expenses. This necessity of limiting expenses was one of the most important moving forces in summoning the Conference at Washington. In America it is now difficult to obtain credit for the erection of new houses. Even first-class cities raise loans with difficulty. America does not know how to obtain the interest on the loans advanced by it^ and it is meanwhile reimbursed by payments out of the American taxes. The finances of France and England are in a very sad state. It is clear that the Entente Governments are hardly capable of raising great national loans. But in every case of attracting private capital, each such attempt at once raises the question of the rate of exchange on the money to be raised by this consortium. The English consortium idea has already given rise to passionate accusations against England, as it plans for a loan in English money, in order thus to push France and Germany off the field, for Eng- lish money is now much higher than French. It is very amusing merely to read in the Paris Temps the statement that France will never be ready to take part in financial operations having the object of placing the Russian people under guardianship or inflicting harm upon it. The Soviet Government is even less ready to accept such arrangements. Entente Tactics No one will accuse the Soviet Government of be- ing blind to the facts of international policy and of failing to grasp that the Entente is interested in an accelerated convocation of the International Conference for solving debated questions in the field of reconstructing Russian economy. We are well able to evaluate the energy applied by the Entente in attempting to get Comrade Lenin, the Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars, to attend the International Conference, accompanied by their declaration that if he should come all the Premiers would be present and the matter might be disposed of quickly. If we were disposed lo jest we should call attention to the fact that the Allied gentlemen and their press have hitherto represented Lenin as the autocrat of all Russia, and that this would make the attendance of all the Premiers not a sufficiently dignified measure. It would be necessary to arrange to have the Presi- dents of the United States and France attend, as well as the King of England, in order to furnish an equivalent for the autocratic Lenin, but the facts are just the opposite. The demand that Lenin participate is a tactical measure, the object of which is quite clear. The Entente assumes that the Soviet Delegation will have to consult Moscow before taking any decisions; but it also assumes that Lenin can take decisions independently. When Briand and Lloyd George make agreements with certain banking groups, they may do as they please, for these banks hold in their hand the press and the parliamentary groups. But things are differ- ent in the country that is actually governed by a Workers' and Peasants' Democracy. There the Chairman of the Council of People's Commissars is an executive organ, and important decisions re- quire not only that the voice of the Central Ex- ecutive Committee be heard, but also, in partic- ularly important questions, that the Congress of Soviets be convoked. Let the Entente not be de- ceived by the fact that there was no opposition in the public session of the Congress of Soviets in the discussion of the recognition of debts. Pas- sionate debates on this subject took place in the Communist faction as well as in the Non-Partisan faction, and we can show the Elntente the minutes of numerous Provincial Congresses — and even local Soviet Congresses — in which a considerable por- tion of the peasantry protested emphatically against burdening the masses of the people with an ac- knowledgment of the debts. All these things the Soviet Government must consider during the pro- jected negotiations. The International Conference must take plact as soon as possible, but it must be very carefully prepared. If the negotiating countries are not to run the risk of having the Conference fail, the delegates of all the countries must be pretty well informed as to what is to be the subject of the negotiations, and must prepare the public opinion of their countries accordingly. The Versailles negotiations — that tower of Babylon — produced re- sults of such nature that the Entente, hardly awak- ening from the Versailles experience, is already obliged to ask for new conferences in the matter of a reconstruction of world economy. The lessons of Versailles will be the more considered, since Russia is not in the situation of a disarmed nation, as Germany was when the Versailles Conferenct was held. The next issue of SOVIET RUSSIA will be dated April IsL II will contain icvcral features that hare had to be omitted in this ifsue for lack of space. Among them are the "NaUonal Office Notes" and the Books Reviewed**. , . , r n • New articles will include the following: TOE RUSSIAN STATE BANK, by A. L. Sheinman, who is in charge of this new institution, being the remarks made by him in a recent interview WRANCEL SOLDIERS AT BAKU (showing how thepe men, to make up for past offenses, volun- tecred to rehabililate one of the shattered in- dustries of their country). THE TRADE UNIONS AND THE NEW ECa NOMIC POLICY (How the organized workers of Russia react toward the altered economic situation). AT ALL NEJFSSTANDS Price Fifuen Cents Digitized by Google March 15, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA 141 and that you have likewise taken occasion to make Tery disagreeable statements in regard to me personally. If this report is correct I should be glad if you would write me the ujbb statemeata which you have made in public Yours faithfully, (Signed) Heabebt Hoover. Captain Hibben and Secretary Hoover An Exchange of Letters In connection with the correspondence between Captain Paxton Hibben and Mr. Herbert Hoover published below, the following quotation from Cn.otain Hibben*s remarks at the meeting organized by the Friends of Soviet Russia, held at the Lexington Opera House, fifew York, on February 26, is revealing. From these remarks it would appear that Captain Hibben has been prevailed upon to resign the position he held with the Near East Relief. Captain Hibben said: **T WANT to make it clear to this meeting that I am no longer in any way connected with the Near East Relief, for which organization I have been handling publicity for over two years. I say this for the sake of the Near East Relief, for whom it is a source of considerable embarrassment that I should have spoken as frankly as 1 have, recently, about Mr. Herbert Hoover's work in Russia. For the Near East Relief has applied to Mr. Hoover for a portion of the $20,000,000 appropriated by the Congress for relief in Russia, since the Near East Relief operates in a territory which was for- merly a part of the old Russian Empire, namely, the Socialist Soviet Republics of Georgia and Armenia. And I think that the Near East Relief is in fact entitled to have a share in that appropria- tion, for it is undeniable that many thousands of children are starving to-day in Soviet Armenia quite as much as millions of children are starving in the Volga valley. And I, for one, have never been able to see any distinction between one hungry child over there and another hungry child over there — which is why, in my own time, I have been speaking ever since my return from Russia for the Friends of Soviet Russia and other organizations which are trying to save the starving of the Volga valley. They enlist my sympathy just as much as the little Armenian children. "But Mr. Vickrey, of the Near East Relief, fell that while I was so openly defending the smaller organizations which are seeking to help the starv- ing of Russia, and in the course of that defense seemingly running counter to Mr. Hoover, it might prejudice the claim of the Near East Relief upon a part of that $20,000,000 of which Mr. Hoover holds the disposition. And so he preferred to have me sever my connection with the Near East Relief, so that he could write and tell Mr. Hoover that I was no longer connected with that organization. **I have gladly acceded to Mr. Vickrey's desire. For I want to see the children in Transcaucasia live, too; and if the Near East Relief cannot keep them all from starving — and it cannot — I want the Amer- ican Relief Administration to do so. If it will help matters to have me out of the Near East Relief, then I am glad to get out, even though my going €ave no more than the life of a single child." DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Office of the Secretary Washington January 26, 1922 My dear Mr. Hibben: 1 onderttand that you have recently criticized the work M the American Relief Administration in Russia in public n. January 29, 1922 Dear Mr. Hoover: Thank you very much for your frank letter of Jsnuary 26 raising directly with me the matter of what I may have been reported to have said in respect of the Americas Relief Administration's work for the starving of Russia. It is quite like you to write me at once about this matter^ and I appreciate it profoundly. I am very glad indeed of the opportunity to make my position towards the relief of the famine sufferers in Russia quite clear to vou, as I thought I had done in my talk with you on October 27, last, just after my return from Russia. First, permit me to clear up one matter, as I note that you address me in care of the Near East Relief. Please accept my assurance that nothing I have said or shall say about the Russian situation in any way whatever reflect? or claims to reflect the opinions of anyone connected with the Near East Relief. My views on Russia are my own. Second, let me say as categorically as 1 can that I have never dreamed of making any **very disagreeable statement** whatever in regard to you, personally, either in public or in private. Indeed, my whole feeling towards you is and has always been one which would prompt me to make very agreeable statements in regard to you personally — and I have done so, in public, in private and in print. Writing in Holland's Magazine a year ago, in an article afterwards reproduced in over 200 newspapers throughout the country I said, in regard to your relief program in Central Europe: ^We had rather those whom we helped chafed under the necessity for receiving aid, and were constantly planning their own economic regeneration and reat not ostensible, independence. When^ we find this spirit in a people there is no limit to our generosity, because we feel that in what we do there can be no possible imputation of interested motives. ''Herbert Hoover has understood this from the start, and because he has understimd it he could and he can today go before the American people with a figure of financial aid required that may seem fantastic, ask it in the name of humanity — and get it. Every cent of it. The people of the United States know that Hoover represents no interest, financial, commercial or sectarian. They know, too, that he is interested not in the least in merely helping the helpless, but in helping people to help themi^Ives. That is what we, as Americans, want to tee done, and so we are ready to put any amount in the hands of Herbert Hoover or any other man or responsible organization regarding relief work in this light, and to nay: T»o ahead — the greatest good for the greatest number. It is the Ameri* can idea; eventually, every man standing on his own feet.' " On August 15 last, Mr. A. A. Johnnon, Chairman of the Russian Commission of the Near East Relief, wrote you from Tiflis: *i may add that should you desire it. the three original members of the Commission, myself, Captain Digitized by Google 142 SOVIET RUSSIA March 15, 1922 Hibben, and Mr. Connes, are ready lo remain in Russia under your orders and to continue the work that you may care to have done, or to return to Russia for that purpose after our report is presented to you." That was true then, and is still true. Writing in Leslie's Weekly as recently as December 10, last, on the present situation in Russia, I expressed the same sentiment in regard to you that I had expressed a year before in Holland's Magazine'. "And that is why it is a mighty good thing that Herbert Hoover decided to send food and aid into Russia, and Americans as relief workers lo feed the children and care for the sick and help out, generally, with big hearts and ready hands. For, after all, we in the United States do not really want to starve millions of women and children to death on account of anybody's political opinions." That is my position, certainly, and for that reason 1 offered on my return from Russia to speak without com- pensation of any kind at meetings organized by any honest committee whatever seeking funds to aid the starving of Russia, and have so spoken for the Friends, for the Russian Famine Fund, the American Medical Aid for Russia, the Friends of Soviet Russia, and the Russian Red Cross. I expect to continue to aid in every way that I can in my own personal time any or all of these organizations de- siring help to raise funds. Now under these circumstances, and with the view of your attitude towards relief work which 1 have set forth in the first quotation given above, I have been much worried of late by reports in the press that various persons speaking, it is claimed, either for the American Relief Administration or for the United States Government, pro- minent among them Admiral Niblack, have spread abroad the impression that for one reason or another there is no further use in committees appealing to the generosity of the American people for funds to aid the starving of Russia. One of the reasons given is that the $36,000,000 rendered available for famine relief and seed grain through the A. R. A. will take care of the need in Russia. This, of course, is not true, as no one knows better than you do; and I have not hesitated to deny this statement at every possible opportunity. The grotesque assumption that ap- proximately $1.50 per person for food and for seed among those affected by the famine in Russia will suffice to keep them until mid-August is in keeping with much of the mischievous propaganda about conditions in Russia which^ unfortunately, seems to find credence in Washington. So far as I know, you have never been quoted as saying anything so at variance with the facts, and certainly I have never dreamed of stating that you had. The other reason commonly given for discouraging gen- eral appeals to the public for aid to the starving of Russia is the allegation that the transportation system and the ports of Russia are so badly out of repair that they cannot handle any food or other supplies additional to those of which the American Relief Administration disposes. It was this phase of the matter which I took up in detail at a luncheon of the Foreign Policy Association at the Hotel Astor, on January 21. I have written Mr. McDonald requesting that he return me the advance copy of what I planned to say, with which I supplied him, or secure for me a stenographic transcript of what I did say at this meeting, which I shall be very glad to forward to you. Either or both of these documents will speak for them- selves. It will be clear at once that I certainly did not in any way criticize you personally — indeed, that I specific- ally said that *'I impugn the motives of no man." It will be equally clear, I hope, that I in no sense criticized the work of the American Relief Administration in Russia, which I regard as very fine work so far as it goes; but that I did express a regret, which I feel very profoundly, that the aid extended to a starving Russia by the United States does not and never has contemplated a sufficient aid of that unhappy people to prevent a vast harvest of death before the next crop can be got in. I disagreed with Governor Goodrich as to the tonnage the railways of Russia could handle, the difference between his figures and mine being a matter of 2,000 tona daily, only 25 per cent, of his total and 20 per cent, of mine, which difference I am persuaded could easily be made up by employing other ports of entry and routes than those whose use is projected now. I mentioned specifically the ports of Sebastopol, Nikolaiev, Berdyansk, Mariupol, Feodosia, Kerch, Taganrog, Odessa and Batum (via Baku and the Caspian to Astrakhan), as possibilities for the landing of supplies sent in through the Black Sea, in addition to the obvious ports of Novorossisk and Rostov-on-Don. I pointed out that 10,000 tons of grain daily would feed 17,500,000 persons 14 ounces daily and stated that I saw no reason why this number of starving or even of hungry should not be fed, so long as the American people, either by the money appropriated by Congress or by additional funds raised by private subscriptions were wilting to feed as many of the suffering of Russia as possible. When Governor Goodrich replied that it would take 100 days to distribute the supplies which the American Relief Admin- istration had already purchased to send to Russia, over the lines now being used, I pointed out that there would still be over 100 days more before the harvests could be in, and asked what it was planned to do then. No one knows better than you that money for charity cannot be raised in large quantities in a few days. Should the American Relief Administration employ every possible route for sending grain into Russia and thus distribute more than 10,000 tons per day, there is certain to come a moment when further supplies can be sent in if they are available— not only food, but clothing, medical sup- plies, farming implements, tractors and other articles neces- sary for the saving of the people of Russia from more famine and death next winter. If appeals are made for such articles now, they will be available when the imme- diate transportation crisis in Russia is over, when the Don and the Volga are open, and the amount of tonnage that can be handled greatly increased. But if we wait until the transportation needs of the A. R. A. are satisfied to make appeal for these things for the starving and destitute of Russia, they will not be ready; and no power on earth can get them ready on a few days* notice. With this in mind I asked very plainly at the meeting in question whether there was any good reason, outside of that of transport which I do not, for the reasons I have just stated, consider a sound one, why as many appeals as can be launched should not be made to the American people for all the funds requisite to save every possible man, woman and child in Russia from starvation; and I pointed out that any restriction of the relief being extended to the Russian people to a single semi-official agency operating with public funds could not fail to place that single agency in a position where it would be possible to use relief as a means of political pressure in dealing with the Russian Government or moral pressure in dealing with the Russian people. I did not say, and I have never said that our government contemplates any such use of the relief funds appropriated by the Congress. But I did say that in my opinion no such use of relief funds as politicaJ or moral pressure upon Russia can be tolerated without the express approval of the American people, whose funds they are. I speak with the more vehemence on this subject, be- cause, while correspondent of the Associated Press in Greece in 1916 and 1917, I saw a food blockade of Greece used to coerce the Greeks from their neutrality through the slow starvation of the Greek people, by the govern- ments of France, Great Britain and Italy, in which gov- ernments there were men as high-minded, individually, as any in our own government It is useless for people to say that things of this sort cannot be done in a civilized world; they have been done, and I have seen them done. As an American, I do not want to sec my own government even tempted to pursue such a course; and plainly the time to speak of it is before, not afterwards. Moreover, various persons of standing have come to me with the fear that such a thing may be or become the purpose of the United Statesw The thmg was being Digitized by (^oogle March 15, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA 143 whispered abouu It eeemed to mc that the one way to stop rumors of this sort, to allay the uneasiness of many persons, would be to bring the whole matter into open discussion. It would furnish you, or someone in your name, the opportunity to say publicly that there seems to be need for all the aid that can be gathered in the United States for the starving and destitute people of Russia, in addition to the amount appropriated by the Congress; and that such relief agencies as, for example, the Friends, are performing a valuable service in Russia and should receive support. Such a public statement would put an end to all doubts and all whispers. In an editorial on August 13, The Times said: "Mr. Hoover . . . asks only the opportunity to learn through trained observers what the need is, and then to give solely and fairly as that need suggests." You have learned what the need is and you know that it is far greater than all that the $36,000,000 now being spent by the A. R. A. for relief purposes can cope with. Will you not assist those who want to see 100 per cent, relief of the Russian people — who want to see no child that can be saved die — by publicly stating that there is need for relief additional to that now going to Russia throu)^ the A. R. A? One further word. When I returned from Russia I had in mind very deeply what you had said on March 25, last: **Nothing is more important to the whole commercial world than the recovery of productivity in Russia,** and it was with this in mind that I drafted the recommenda- tions of the report which our Commission submitted to you on October 27. Talking with you that day, I urged as strongly as I could your leadership in the formation of a new American policy of aiding the economic regenera- tion of Russia by open trade, by credits based on the natural resources of Russia and by the sending to Russia of a Commission of technical experts to establish the economic needs of the country, in co-operation with the Soviet authorities. It seemed to me that the man who had had the courage to regain the friendship of our late enemies in the European war by coming to the aid of their starving was the man to lead in this great, new enterprise to core not Russia alone, but the whole world, of its ills of commercial and industrial stagnation, unemployment and unrest. I shall not pretend to you. Sir, that I was not dis- appointed to hear you say that you felt that the American people would not countenance such a policy — ^that you were convinced that they would want to limit their aid of Russia to a mere temporary aid of the starving. I told you frankly, then, that I did not agree with you in this. I feel that the man whom I described — and described ac- curately, I am sure — in Holland's Magazine^ could swing the whole American people to the will to save Russia to the world. I know of no one else who could. At the same luncheon at which I spoke, Mr. Otto H. Kahn said of our policy toward Russia that "the world had had enough of a policy of timidity and fear, that it needed to cry out a policy of mercy and faith." I believe this. Sir. And I am only sorry that you do not. Very sincerely yours, (Signed) Paxton HronEN. m. DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE Office of the Secretary Washington February 3, 1922. Dear Mr. Hibben: I am glad to have you say that you have made no criticism of the American Relief Administration. However, I do not suppose you mean that I should consider it a compliment for you to express intense fear that I shall commit murder. Nothing but experience will prove Russia'* transportation capacity. As the Soviet authorities have asked us to slow our sea shipments down by one- half it does not look very good and we may still have food in the ports at next harvest with millions dead. I have, however, sent an expert staff to see wliat improve- ments we can make. Your last paragraph reminds me of similar statements made over a period of a year because I insisted that some one else should undertake the burden of Russian relief. Then when I did undertake it most unwillingly the same people, including the persons connected with committees with which you are associated, have been unceasing in criticism because I do not do more, or, don't do it in their way. Yet I have put together $47,500,000 against less than $2,000,000 from all the rest of the world. So it goes — but it*s no encouragement to interest one's self in Russia when there are other burdens equally im- portant and of less perverseness. Yours faithfully, (Signed) Herbert Hoover. IV. February 9, 1922. Dear Mr. Hoover: Thank you for your courteous letter of February 3. I believe that I can add very little to what is said in the editorial in to-day*s New York Globe, of which I attach copy. Very sincerely yours, Paxton Hibben. {From N. Y. Globe, February 9, 1922) TAKING FOOD FROM THE STARVING The natural consequence of the silly attack upon various bodies which are collecting funds and food for Russians in the famine areas will be to add to the millions of impotent and innocent victims. Bureaucrats scattered throughout the Department of Justice, the Department of State, and the Department of Commerce, for purposes of publicity are carrying on a private war with the Bolshevist government. As individuals these press agents are entitled to their opinions, but it is an offense against humanity for them to attempt, as was done this morning, to stop the sending of food to the starving. Impartial information concerning the state of affairs in Russia is not scarce. Besides official investigations, many of the leading papers of this country and of Eng- land have sent correspondents into the country to make direct reports. Their testimony has been unanimous. Millions of peasant farmers with their women and children are in the stricken area. Lloyd George referred to the Russian famine as one of the great catastrophes of civilization. The need is so obviously terrible that the conscience of the civilized world was aroused. Congress acted, and many voluntary associations of citizens, men and women, most of whom loathed the Bolshevist govern- ment as 'completely as in other years they had despised the czaristic regime, began to raise funds for the relief of those about to die. It is conceivable that some of the Bolshevist partisans in this country may have said foolish or prejudiced things. But what difference does that make? The anti-Bolshevist partisans are not less mad. The vast majority of the men and women concerned in Russian relief are thinking about the hunger of women, of little children, of simple fanners who are wasting to death, and not about Bolshevist politics. The attack made upon these organizations is consequently as infamous as it is absurd. The President of the United States has been conspicuous among those who were un- willing to sit idly by while millions of Russians went down to death because of the lack of food. The bureau- cratic propagandists who liberate innuendoes and inspire slanders against these relief organizations might as logically attack the President. The Washington propaganda has grown to menacing proportions. The State Department, the Department of Commerce, and the Department of Justice are all infected with it. Messrs. Hughes and Hoover and Daugherty will do well to clean their houses before public irritation reaches too high a point. The American people will not Digitized by Google 144 SOVIET RUSSIA March IS, 1922 long endure a presnmptioas bureaucracy which for its own wretched purposes, is willing to let millions of innocent people die. VI. MEMORANDUM OF THE NEED IN RUSSIA Figures furnished by those who are actudly operating the railwnyg in question: Novoro»«ij.k 2,700 tons daily 3 trains. 50 cars each, 1,000 poods (36,000 lbs.) per car. Rostov or Taganrog 2,000 tons daily Nikolaiev Berdyansk Mariupol . Feodosia f '*^ ^^ d«iy Kerch Odessa ^■'**^, •••••. •••, 1.000 tons daily* lor shipment to Baku and thence tmI^ ^^^ Caspian Sea to Astrakhan. TOTAL . .. 10,000 tons daUy through ice-lree gouthern ports. So soon as the Don is open, the Don could be used from lis mouih to Kalech-Donskaya, and thence by rail to Tsariisin. Over this route, 8.000 tons could be handled daily. It is important to consider that a large supply of grain •hnuld be ready at Ropiov and Astrakhan for shipment by boat BO soon as navigation is open. This stock can be •ccumulaied now at both points, the latter being reached by shipments into Bnium and through Baku and via the Caspian Sea to Astrakhan. If the ports can handle from the Black Sea 10,000 tons 4aily now. and in order to employ to a maximum advantage the rivers so soon as they are ice-free a surplus must be accumulated for later river traffic, then more than 10.000 tons of grain mu^i be sent to the Black Sea, daily, now. Given $30,000,000 to sjirnd for grain, with the grain costing approximately $39.86 per ton to buy and ship, the total that cnn be purchased and shipped for the sum availal.le wciuld he approximately 750.000 tons. Even at only 10,000 tons per day, the entire shipment would be delivered in Russia in 75 days or by the middle of April. By the middl** of April, or even before, the Don and the Volga will be open for shipping, and approximately thrice the amount of tonnage can be handled that is now being handhd. Bill the supplies must be got to the Don port of RoFiov and the Volga port of Astrakhan (via Baium and Buknt before that dale, if full advantage is to be taken of this fact. No harves*! ip to be expected before mid-July and no general diMrihution of harvejits, especially spring grain, be- fore mi ment was noted. In England there was in part a stagnation, a depression, except for the merchant marine whose tonnage increased although the actual trade was decreasing. On the whole therefore the advance in Europe is half fictitious and speo- ulative in character and indicates not a further development, but rather a further decay of buat- ness. In the United States, after the war, the war ii>- dustries were reduced and the peace footing re- introduced. An improvement was noted in the coal, oil, automobile, and shipbuilding industries. Year Cofti on Automobiles Shipbuilding in millions of tons tons 1918 615 356 1,153,000 3,033,000 1919 494 378 1,974,000 4,075,000 1920 580 442 2,350,000 2,746,000 Comrade Varga in his valuable pamphlet rightly says: 'The fact that the improvement after the war was speculative in character is most clearly seen by the example of Germany. While prices in the eighteen months immediately following the war rose sevenfold, Germany's industry went down. It was selling out: the remnants of goods left on the internal market were injected into the foreign market at fabulously low prices.** Digitized by Google March IS, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA 157 Prices rose most in Germany, where industry continued going down. They rose least in the United States, where industry is expanding. France and England occupy positions on the scale lying between Germany and the United States. How shall we explain these facts and what is at the bottom of expansion itself? First, there are the economic causes: After the war, international relations were again resumed, if only in a restricted measure, and everywhere there was a demand for goods of all sorts. In the second place, there are the political and financial reasons: The European governments were afraid of the crisis that neces- sarily would ensue after the war and had taken all measures to maintain in the period of demobil- ization the artificial advance that had been created by the war. The governments put much paper money into circulation, raised new loans, regulated profits, wages and food prices, subsidized the wages of demobilized workers out of the national wealth, and created an artificial economic prosper- ity within the country. Thus fictitious capital con- tinues to grow in this period, particularly in those countries where industry is going downhill. The fictitious advance after the war had great political consequences, however; we may say with- out exaggeration that this advance has saved the bourgeoisie. If the workers dismissed from the armies had at once encountered unemployment and a scale of living lower even than that before the war, the consequences for the bourgeoisie might have been disastrous. Professor Edwin Cannan, an Englishman, wrote the following in the New Year Review of the Manchester Guardian on this subject: "The impatience of men who have re- turned from the battlefield is very dangerous,** and explained the successful surmounting of the worst post-war period (1919) very properly by the fact that the government and the bourgeoisie were uniting their forces to push back the crisis, to postpone it, by producing an artificial prosper- ity at the cost of a further destruction of Europe's fundamental capital. "If the economic situation b 1919 had been that of 1920," Cannan writes, **Westem Europe might have been seized by chaos.** The fever that had been characteristic of the war was extended for a year and a half, and the crisis ensued only after the masses of workers and peas- ants who had returned to their homes had already been more or less provided for. (To be continued in next issue) RUSSO-FRENCH RELATIONS M. I. Skobelev, formerly minister in the Pro- visional Government of Kerensky, is to-day the Paris representative of the Russian Trade Delega- tion in London. It is said that the Paris press has known for some time that he was acting in this capacity. But only lately — in view of the change that has taken place in the French policy towards Russia — the reporters of the French bour- geois papers have begun to visit M. I. Skobelev. A short time ago L7n/orma/£on published a detailed report of an interview with Skobelev. The semi- official Petit Parisien followed the example of this organ of the industrial and financial spheres. M. I. Skobelev told his interviewer that he had made important purchases in France. At present negotiations are going on concerning the purchase of tractors and motor trucks. He also sold oil products to various French firms and hopes also to sell timber and furs. However, Skobelev pointed out that the French authorities are making it hard to get visas and that this circumstance, together with the unofficial character of Skobelev's office, \s putting great difficulties in the way of opening commercial relations between Russia and France. Concerning the German-Russian relations that cre- ated such a stir in the French press, Skobelev said that in view of the regrettable attitude of Franco Russia was quite naturally attempting to approach Germany. In raising objections against this the French are illogical, to say the least. Skobelev declared: "I believe that sooner or later you will recognize the necessity of coming to an under- standing with us. As far as we are concerned, we can afford to wait for years. We are now main- taining relations with almost all governments; our situation will improve, while yours, will become more difficult** — Rosta Wien. Financial Statement of the Friends of Soviet Russia {The following statement and certificate have been prepared for publication by the Auditor of the Nadonal 0§ice of the Friends of Soviet Russia,) Statement "A** daring January are reported in detail in our FRIENDS OF SOVIET RUSSIA official organ "Soviet Russia" dated February Natiooal Office, New York, N. Y^ 201 West 13th St^ N. Y. 15, 1922, a total of 53,28734 RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS ^ , . , ,,,, ^^ ,, Prom dau of Organization, Aug, 9, 1921 to Jan. 31, 1922. Total received and acknowledged .$371,098^ The INCOME of the National Office is received The above income was deposited in a bank chiefly from Local F. S. R. Conferences and account, and before il was withdrawn for relief Workers' Organizations. Receipts are issued purposes there was received from the bank for income received. Receipts Nos. 1 to 2596 INTEREST amounting to ^"3.13 for income received to December 31, 1921 ,, . .^^^., .*,^^.,., , TZZTZITT^ have been previously reported in detail, a Making a TOTAL INCOME of $371,28139 total of $317310.92 From which must be DEDUCTED the following Receipt Nos. 2597 to 3379 for income received items: Digitized by Google 158 SOVIET RUSSIA March IS, 1922 (1) Remittances received as con- tributions which the bank re- fused to honor (Receipt Nos. 1 and 214) %21iJ2S (2) Remittance addressed **Soviet Russia** received by us in error (Receipt No. 1900) 17.94 (3) Checks temporarily returned by bank to be signed (Receipt Nos. 2820 and 3076) 19.00 (4) Exchange and discount on checks received 7.86 (5) Expenses incurred and charged to National Office by Locals 189.93 (6) Lawyer's fees and bail pre- mium for Local workers ar- rested for making appeals .... 425.00 933.98 Leaving the INCOME RE- CEIVED by National Office.. $370347.41 HOW THE FUNDS WERE COLLECTTED: In order to assist Locals and Workers' organ- izations to collect funds and clothes the Na- tional Office sent speakers throughout the country, published advertisements and litera- ture and supplied buttons for sale and con- tribution lists for making appeals to individu- als. The amount of money which the National Office spent for this purpose is explained in Statement "B" below. The National Office could charge most of this amount to Locals making them pay for speakers' services and expenses and for literature distributed in their territory, although that would mean a lot more office work, more bookkeeping. But it is better for every one to know how much the National Office spends to help Locals — probably less than the Locals would spend tor the same speakers and literature if they incurred those expenses themselves. But be- cause this money was spent to help Locals and Workers* Organizations raise the money which they sent to the National Office it is deducted from the amount which they sent in order to show how much the income received by the National Office amounts to after de- ducing all expenses paid by Locals and all publicity and appeal expenses paid by the National Office. Thus: Publicity and Appeal Expenses paid by National Office $22,509.16 Leaving INCOME received by National Office less cost of collecting funds and clothes $347338.25 EXPENSES: In order to carry on the work of receiving funds, valuables and clothes, making appeals, and spending the money for relief, the Na- tional Office needs a secretary, office employees and a business office. The expenses paid for these needs are explained in Statement **C below. They represent $2.53 for each $100 of funds remaining after deducting the cost of appealing for funds and clothes. They amount to 8,768.74 Leaving a balance AVAILABLE FOR RE- LIEF of Soviet Russia of $339,069.51 Most of this amount has already been SPENT FOR RELIEF, as follows: Food shipment, direct $ 2,185.73 American Federated Russian Fam- ine Relief Committee, purchasing agent for F. S. R. for food and equipment 308,200.00 Manufacture of 1000 dresses by donated labor of I. L. G. W. U. 2^88.94 Freight, express, trucking, ware- house, packing, & cartage charges on old clothes contributed 1339J{3 Federated, International and Rus- sian (Conference expenses 749S3 Bail, Legal fees and relief for delegate from Workers' Interna- tional Famine Relief Committee detained on ElUs Island 1,251.25 316,215.68 Leaving a BALANCE ON HAND of $ 22353.83 Which is mostly in CASH ready to be spent FOR RELIEF but is also represented partly by OTHER ASSETS to be, used for raising funds or FOR EXPENSES of the business office, as follows: Cash in Bank $18,267.36 Petty Cash on hand 998.80 Advances to Sections, Locals, and Speakers 972.17 Office Furniture and Equipment, (Cost) 862.75 Deposits for Electricity, Gas and Lease 145.00 Books purchased for Sale, less Sales 1,607.75 2235333 Statement "B** PUBLiaTY AND APPEAL EXPENSES From oatk op Obcanizatxon, Aucust 9, 1921 to Jandait 31, 1923. *WBge«: Speakers and Org«nixre« $ 3,182.43 Publicity 400.6S Trayeling — Speakers and Organisera 6,285.73 Poaugea 1,755.47 Official Organ "Soviet Ruaaia**— aubaldy 500.00 Bulletlna and Financial ReporU printed and diatributed 1,210.42 Advertitementa 930.00 Leaflets and foldera printed and distributed 2,214.59 Posters, window carda. etc 3X3.50 Motion Picture A Stereopticon Equipment 2/MK).95 Cuts, mata. cartoona. etc 742.81 Organiaation supplies. Hsts. buttons, etc 1,180.89 Racial and Language Sectiona preliminary ezpenaea 625.00 Printing pampblcta and carda for Sale 886.Q 22,888.41 L^M sale of paropblets and carda 379.2S Toul S22.509.1« SfUwient *'C* BUSINESS OFFICE EXPENSES From oar op OacANiZA-noif, August 9, 1921 to jAifUAsr 31, 192S. •Wages: Secretary $ 1 .120.00 Office Staff 4,148.39 Office Rent 501.00 Office Space — Fittlnga, alterationa, maintenance, cleaning, light, and heat 678.82 Office Furniture Rent 20.00 Office Supplies, etc 604.93 Printing and Stationery 1,077.07 Telegrams 276.78 Telephone 38.55 Outside *phone calls, carfares, etc 75.95 Auditor's Charges 227 J5 ToUl $ 8.768.74 AUDITOR'S CERTIFICATE 1 have examined the accounts of the National Office of the Friends of Soviet Russia, New York, N. Y., for the period from the data of organisation, Auguat 9, 1921 to January 31, 1922, a period of nearly aiz months. I received all the Information and explanations 1 demanded. Any contributor not receiving both an offirlal receipt and a published acknowledgment of his contribution should communicate with me. Valuables received to be sold for the fund, but not yet sold, are not included in the above atatement. Clothea and other necessaries receiTed for shipment are not included. Expenses have been paid promptly, but expenses Incurred and not paid are not included. The above statements, **A", **B**, and **C", are of the National Ofioe only and are not consolidated to include receipta and disbursements of affiliated locals. Remittances frrm locala on account of net income are included. Locals are responsible to their own eontributors for ths acknowledgment and dispoaition of funda collected. In my opinion the above atatementa. **A", **B**, and **C** are drawn op to preaent a true and correct view of the cash tranaactions for the period and of the state of the funds aa at the close of the period, January 31, 1922. (Signed) J. B. Coixmci Woods, Chartered Aceom 2764 Crcston Avenue. New York, N. Y. March 1. 1922. •Maximum rate of wages is $40 per week. Digitized by Google March 15. 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA 159 Relief Contributions, February 15-28 Thm foUcmimg it m complett liat of all eontributiont reetiotd mt the National Offica of tha Friend$ of Sooiet Ruttia, 201 Wa§i iStk Su, Ktm York, durMg iha aaeond half of last month, "f. S. R." stands for **FrUnds of Soviet Russia"; '*S. T. A. S. R." for "Sociatj for Tachniaal m to Somiat Rmtsim". Each contribution is accompanied by tha official number appearing on the contributor's receipt, Jter. Vo. Noma Amount »» F. A. Tiagley. DanTille. I11....I 1.00 3«0 F. S. R. Braach. Superior, Wi«. 100.00 3691 F. S. R. Branch. CleveUnd. O. 46.06 3692 Dr. BJ. Ellw. Waterrille, Wa«h. 21.85 3693 List 14461. Mra. B. Argiewici A E 10.00 5.00 3.70 .50 50.00 19.60 730.25 120.75 1.000.00 150.00 70.00 26.00 89.00 26.00 87.25 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 S.OO 5.00 5.00 5.00 4.00 875.00 400.00 25.00 12.00 5.00 2.00 1.00 2.50 2.50 19.50 18.15 2.00 2.00 5.00 5.00 3.00 1.00 2.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 \M Digitized by Google 160 SOVIET RUSSI A March IS, 1922 JUe. JV*. 3928 8929 3930 3931 3932 3933 3934 3935 3936 3937 3938 8940 U«i 1.08 8941 3942 3943 3944 8945 3946 3947 3948 8949 39S0 3951 8952 39S3 8954 8955 3956 8057 8958 8959 8960 8961 8962 8963 8964 8965 8967 3968 8969 8970 8971 8973 8973 8974 8975 8976 8977 8978 8979 3980 8981 8982 3983 8984 3985 8986 39R7 3988 3989 3990 8991 8992 8993 8994 8995 8906 8997 8998 8999 4001 4002 4003 4004 4005 4006 4007 4008 4000 4010 4011 4012 4013 4014 4015 4016 4017 4018 IS.00 xi.oe 11.08 10.00 5.00 5.08 8.10 18.50 6.45 1.33 1.00 2.00 1.00 4.90 164.00 Marion dark. North Bond, On. J oho HiU, North Bead, Orofon F. S. R. Br.. NMhTillo. Tona. S.00 Mr*. M.C. Dorid. Saa Fraiu. CaL 2.58 A. C. JohoMO. SavaBoah, Ga. 1.23 F.S.R. Br., Waahioftoo. D. C 575.00 F.S.K. Braoch. Boacon. Maaa. 500.08 Society of Ruaaian Orifia of Boatoo. Maaa. 150.08 F. S. R. Braoch, CineiBoati* O. 75.08 F. S. R. Br.. Loa Aagolea. CaL 2,500.08 F. S. R. Br.. IllBBoapoUa. MIob. 57.08 AJUad SUvooie Siofloff Sodoly Brataro, Pittaharg. Pa. 25.08 Ual 14462. Mra. E. KooUr A Mra. B. Argiawica. Datrolt. Mich. Dr. P. W. Kaolaf, Liat 942. Chicago. lU Coll. bjr Louia Kootarick. Samoa, Cal Dr. Foa. Lockeford. Cal joe Butktts. Chicago. Ill Frank PUaka. Detroit. Mich.... W. E. BfHsk. Cleveland, Ohio H. Zaretakr. Chicago. Ill J. Johanaen, Ft. Stanton. N. M. Leon Leighion, Turlock. Cal.... J. P. Douglaaa. Tooaaket. Weak, joa. Menadl, Oregon City. Oro. A. Pitt, Cleveland. Ohio F. S. R. Rraoch. N. Y. C. RuMlan Section. F.S.R.. N.Y.C Liihuao. Section. F.S.R., N.Y.C 2.098.24 Nick Steaa. Cloquet, Minn. 2 gold ringa F. S. R. Braoch. Pateraon. N. J. 1.000.00 P. S. R. Br.. Sao Diego. Cal. 500.00 Ellen McMurtrie. Phila.. Pa. F. S. R. Branch. Brocktsn. Maaa. T. Harailton, ladianapolla, lod. Ed. A C Patera. Detroit. Mich. F. S. R. Branch. Lanaing. Mich. G. F. Young. Waahington. D. C H. B. Cooimr. Balboa Heighta, Canal Zone Ordea of Ught. Buffalo. N. Y. Coll. at Meeting. Rock la., DL T. L. Chaaa. Taft. Calif.... I. Uakow, Milwaukee. Wla.... J. H. Job. Reelaville. Ind.... Coll. J. Roupe, Rockfsrd. 111. Lliiiuii l.nt|>lo>eea. Mo. Pac. R. R. St. I.Auls. Mo Dr. Geo. Lang. Unlveraitr. Ala. G. N. LintJajr. Evanatoo. IIL M. D. Curry. Chicago. 111.... A. LIHi. Milo. Maine M.A. Ruihriiund. Rochrater. N.Y. Geo. Swayie. Rocheaier. N. Y. Wra. Giivtke. Rochester. N. Y. Rirh. Boerker. Rochester. N. Y. Chaa. EisenWerg. Roch.. N. Y. J. E. HariKer. Ilicksvllle. N. Y. Grace Reid Kent. N. Y. C S. Aloune. Superior. Wis G. N. Falconer. Meiico C. Mex. E. A. St^limann. Nekoma, Kan. U. Moes. Yoakum. Tea Thoraiem Lif*n. Sturgia. S. Dak. N. Shea. New York City Mra. Carlson, Belvedere. Cal.. Mar? Garber, Frankford. Pa.... L C Meyer. Sao Francisco. CaL Aug. Anderson. Astoria. Ore. Mr. A Mra. R. Yohst. Sallncvlllo, Ohio Paul Nickel. La Gloria. Cuba F. S. R. Branch. Columbus, O. Finnish Comradea, Ont.. Can. What Chert Loc. 2664 U. M. W. of A., Bay City. Mlch» F. S. R. Br., Great Falls. Mont. Ladles Sewing Circle of Farmera Co'op. Assn., Msrengo, Wise. Ch. Hoeiti. Chicago, III Mra. L. S. Bower. Paris, Franco Alois Srhuabel, Powell, Wyo. 7.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 1.00 1.25 1.25 .50 3.00 3.00 3.00 5.50 10.00 10.00 8.00 5.00 5.00 3.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 1.00 5.70 84.71 83.75 16.25 14.35 5.00 1.00 1.00 T. Schulii. Columbia. S. Dak. LaTaller lohan Aaltoncn, Monesaen, Pa. 5.00 P. Vladeko. New York Qty.... 15.00 M. Tallila, List 9450. Nopemlog. Minn 85.00 J. Greenwood, ProspeT. Texas.. 5.00 Noble M. Irish, Rochester. N. Y. 1.00 Lillian W. Hendrick, N. Y. C. 10.00 Ukraln. Wkra. F.dnc. Soc., NYC 103.30 Anonymous, Philadelphia. Pa.. 5.00 Ch. Andemnn. I.ivinfcston. Mont. 1.00 Union of Russian Cititens, NYC 26..S0 A. Munkens, Newark, N. J. 1.00 A. Grafendorf, New York City 1.00 Royal F. King. Yelin. Waah. 1.00 Anonymotts. Santa Pnnla. Cal. 2.00 JUe. ^o. NnM 4019 Ton, New York tity 6.10 4020 Sam Loritt. N. Y. Oty 8.08 4021 Central Labor Cooncil. Tacoma, Waah. 12.50 4022 F. S. R. Branch. Buffalo, N. Y. U.SO 4023 VaL Melu. So. HolUnd. lU. 6.50 4024 F. S. R. Br.. Newburry. Mich. 5.10 4025 F. S. R. Br.. Wolf Point. Mont. 1.50 4026 A. Weigerama. Wolf Pi.. Mont. 2.00 4027 P. Broadnich. Mid vale. Ohio 5.00 4028 Frod Meier. New York Qty.. 10.00 4029 David T. Roaa. Stockton. Cal. 5.00 4030 Mr. Harvey. Stockton. Cal.... 5.00 4031 E. A. Uocoln. Arllngtoa. Maaa. 2.00 4032 R. B. Hayea. Redding. Cal.... 1.00 4033 G. F. Wall. Ogdenaburg. N. Y. 1.00 4034 F. H. Gaylord. Ft. Wayne. Ind. 1.00 4035 A. J. Wraight. Ft. Wayno, Ind. 1.00 4036 H. Groenberg. Ft. Wayna. Ind. 1.00 4037 S. T. A. S. R. Central Boreaa. N. Y. aty 400.00 4038 F. S. R. Br.. Binghamton. N. Y. 100.00 4039 F. S. R. Branch. St. Louis. Mo. 70.00 4040 Dr. A. J. Rosanoff. L. 1.. N. Y. 25.00 4041 Coll. Wlllat Prod. Co.. San FraBciaco, CaL 20.00 4042 E. S. Cardoso. Richmood. Va. 10.00 Etc J?o. Ntmt 4048 laaao Bloomfield. Phila^^ Pa. 5.88 4044 Elia. MacDonald. So. CaroUoa 5.0(' 4043 L. Paolding. Dea Moinea. Iowa 2J00 4046 J. J. Maateo. Guthrie. Ky.... 108.50 4047 A. Huff. Liat 7124. EaataB. Pa. 13.57 40a Fred Fickaa. San Diego. CaL 2.00 4049 R. JohnatoB. Humfroy Channela. Caaada Can. 85.00 4.80 4058 L. Coloff. Humfroy Channela, Caaada CanadUn 85.00 4.8* 4051 E. Johoaton, Humfrey Channela. Caaada CanadUn 84.75 4.41 40SS Gus Eqoall. Bnmfrey Channela. Canada CanadUn 82.00 1.9S 4088 AaoBjrmooa, Arlington. Maaa... 20.46 Total for February (ind. No. 3381-3688 pnhliahed in previous issue) ..846,9l>4iU) CORRECTIONS Ree. No. 821 for 850 was throagh a adataka credited to F. W. This amount waa donated by the International Pub. Aaa'a, Soctioa 6. Black Rock. Buffalo. N. Y. Rec No. 3275 for 8575 waa eaBceUod. bat printed by mistake; ita place ia now taken by Rec. No. 3933. YOU KNOW WHAT ROLL-CALL WE MEAN. WE WANT YOUR NAME, ON THE BLANK BELOW, TO BE PASTED IN THE GREAT ROLL-CALL BOOK THAT WILL GO TO RUSSIA WITH THE BIG FOOD AND TRACTOR SHIPMENT RESULTING FROM THIS APPEAL. Friends of Soviet Rustla, 201 West I3th Street, New York Gty, My contribution for famine relief !■ Soviet Rnsoia it $.... which suiD is herewith enclosed. Please insert this ••' with my signature in the ROLL CALL BOOK registering as a friend of Soviet Russia in the hour of h^r greateet Name . . Address City ... 5oeiel Rattim Digitized by Google April 1,1922 |/^r.3i922[ Fifteen Cents SOVIET RUSSIA Semi-Monthly Official Organ of the Friends of Soviet Russia "Take Them, Mother Volga!" Digitized by Google rr> SOVIET RUSSIA Vol. VI. April 1, 1922 No. 6 Itnoi Twice a Month at 110 West 40th St., New York. Edited aad Pabliahed by Jacob Wittmer Hartmann. Snbacription Rate: 13.50 per aanma. Entered at second claaa matter January 29. 1921, at the Poet Office at New York, N. Y., under the Act of March », 1B7». TABLE OF CONTENTS Pace England and Genoa, by M, Philips Price 162 Wrancel Soldiers at Baku 164 Debs Asks You to Help Russia 166 My Impressions of Russia, by Henry Sara..., 167 The Allies of the Famine, by Robert Pelletier. . 169 The Chanced World Situation, by Leon Trotsky 170 The New Policy of the Russian Trade Unions 173 Picr "He Survived Three Tsars", by A. Sergeyew 175 Nikolai Nekrasov, by A. Lunacharsky 178 The Russian State Bank, by A. L. Sheinman. ... 180 "Rasseya", by L. Sosnovsky 183 Great Britain's Famine Record 186 National Office Notes 188 Relief Contributions, March 1-15 1« England and Genoa By M. Phiups Price (Whether the Genoa Conference becomes a fact or not the following discussion of Englamtfs attiiude is of interest to all sympathizers with the Soviet Government, The author^ at one time Special Correspondent in Russia for ''The Manchester Guardian'*, was one of the first foreigners to desaribe the Revolution with sympathy.) T JP to the Cannes conference Lloyd George had succeeded in very considerably strengthening his position and that of the ruling classes of Eng- land in international afifairs. He had made peace with Ireland, averted a struggle for naval suprem- acy with America, and obtained the prospect of curbing French militarism on the continent of Europe by bringing in German capitalism, newly arisen out of the ashes of the German Revolution, into an international finance consortium for the ex- ploitation of Central Europe and Russia. But the fall of M. Briand and the rise to power of M. Poincare again has put a spoke in his plans. The systematic attempts now made by the French Gov- ernment to sabotage the Genoa Conference, aided by the Northcliffe press in England, and the con- tinued tendency of America to avoid direct parti- cipation in European affairs, in order that it may more effectively exert pressure on the capitalist governments to pay it their war debts, has weaken- ed Lloyd George's position once more and brought his government before another crisis. But if the international position of the British ruling classes has not improved during the last month, its internal position is becoming exceeding- ly critical. It is up against two problems, which appear, for the moment at least, to be quite in- soluble. The first is the catastrophic state of the Imperial finances (a huge but as yet unknown de- ficit is expected in the next Budget). The second is an unprecedented revolutionary wave in Egypt and India — these two bulwarks of British Imperial- ism in the East. In order to deal with the situation, Lloyd George's Government is obliged to use all the arts of trickery and make-believe. Let us consider the first problem. How is Lloyd George trying to grapple with his financial difficul- ties? The condition of trade shows no signs of im- provement. The figures for export and import for December of last year were the lowest recorded. The number of unemployed shows no signs of abatement The revenue from indirect taxation, customs and excise are decreasing, and America is pressing for the payment of interest and sinking fund on its debt. There is therefore only one thing for Lloyd George to do and that is drastically to cut down State expenditures. The Northcliffe press has been clever enough to understand the position and, hoping to gain popularity with the petty bour- geoisie, has been running a big ^'economj cam- Eaign" for several months past The Govemment as appointed a special committee under the presi- dency of the Canadian financier. Sir Auckland Geddes, to report on the possibility of reducing the national expenditure by 175 millions sterling; 75 millions have already been cut down by dis- solving certain State departments and reducing the staff of others, but there remain 100 million more still to be cut, if the budget is to be balanced. So far as is known, the committee has only sucowded in drawing up a plan for reducing expenditures by 75 millions, leaving 25 millions still to be cut Of these 75 millions, it is proposed to find 45 millions by reducing the expenditure on the Army, Navy, and Air Services. Here one may see the importance of the Washington Conference — from the point of view of the financial stability of the British Empire. At the cost of having to bow to the dictatorship of President Harding, accept his battleship ratio, and abandon the alliance with Japan, Lloyd George obtains the possibility of saving a considerable sum of money. As all the clear-sighted labor elements in England saw from the first, the Washington Con- ference was merely a device to save world capital- ism from bankruptcy. But in addition to the reduction of armaments, the Geddes Committee provides for a reduction of 38 millions on various departments connected with Digitized by Google Apnl 1, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA 163 the aocial welfare of the wide masses. Thus it is proposed to cut down 18 millions on education and to force school teachers to accept lower salaries and to increase the number of pupils in each class. The dismissal of large numbers of school teachers will also have to take place, if these plans are carried out. Pensions for war invalids and the expenses of the Ministry of Health are to be reduced by some 5 millions. Thus Lloyd George hopes to be spared the disgrace of coming before the English electors as the man whose government bankrupted England, by reducing expenditure on armaments and impos- ing the rest of the burden on the laboring masses by lowering the standard of living and depriving theiM of those small advantages which they have been able to acquire under capitalist society. In the first case, he will receive the support of the petty bourgeoisie, who are tired of armaments and war, and in the second place, he will be able to ap- peal to them^as the man who practiced economy. Here, of course, he may wreck his government. Already great opposition has been aroused by his economy plan among the great spending depart- ments, particularly the Army, Navy, and Air Service!, whose case is being championed by Win- ston Churchill. The latter realizes that unless the rulers of England have sufficient aeroplanes and poison gas bombs to throw on the villages of In- dians and Egyptians, even the glories of the British Empire, like the glories of Ivan the Terrible, will fade away. Also, the mere fact that Lloyd George, in the days of his radicalism, agitated for and achieved considerable social reforms, all of which are mow to be thrown on the scrap-heap, in order to prevent the necessity of taxing the landlords and the industrial magnates, is likely to increase his un- popularity in large circles of the population. Once more he is at his wits' end to find some popular cry, with which he can divert popular at- tention horn understanding the true state of Eng- land. He still hopes that Genoa will provide one of these diversions and that it may also help to solve some of the problems with which he is confronted. To ally himself with Herr Rathenau and Herr Stinnes and, together with them, to harness the Russian Revolution and the technique of German industry to an international finance consortium — that is still a very attractive project, but one which is no less dangerous to the proletariat of Central and Eastern Europe than the policy of open brigandage pursued by M. Poincare. And this is really at the bottom of all the so-called "Liberal" tendencies of English politics to-day. As the Con- ference of the Liberal Party in Manchester 'aot month showed, the "Free Liberal" opponents of Lloyd George, in spite of all their oratory and invective, had nothing positive to propose as an alternative to the policy now pursued by the left wing of the Coalition, which Lloyd George now intends to call the "National Liberal Party". In spite of Lord Grey's criticism on foreign policy, cverronc knows that it was he who was responsible for bnngiug England into the war on the basis of a secret treaty with France. In spite of Mr. As* quith's attack on Lloyd George for the period of terror in his Irish policy last year, everyone knows that it was he who murdered the Irish revolution- aries at Easter 1916, and that he is the man who has the blood of James Connolly on his conscience. Thus, all the fights that are now going on in Eng- land between Lloyd George's National Liberals and Asquith's Free Liberals, between the Northcliffe press and Lloyd George, and between the Conser- vative "Die-Hards" and the Coalition, are nothing else than sham fights between various elements of the British ruling classes. To some extent they are based on personal animosities, but for the most part they are staged in order to mislead the masses into the idea that, if Lloyd George's Coalition goes, something more progressive will take its place. The real nature of these conflicts may be seen by the difference of opinion which has arisen over the question of the reform of the House of Lords. The Conservative "Die-Hards" do not want a General Election, until the House of Lords has been reformed in such a way as to give it back its old privileges, to stop all revolutionary legislation which may be passed by the House of Commons. Lloyd George on the other hand would fight the danger of a Labor government getting into power in England, by finding a good electioneering cry to throw dust in the eyes of the British proletariat and to prevent it from realizing the true state of affairs. As regards the second problem before the Coali- tion — the question of India and Egypt — it is very difficult to say anything positive. No reliable in- formation has come from these countries for some weeks. The censorship has stopped the publication of telegraphic despatches from Bombay to the Daily Herald, because "their publication is considered undesirable by the authorities." All that is known is that India is in a state of rebellion against Brit- ish rule. The pacifist Ghandi has now complete control over the Nationalist movement, and is or- ganizing a gigantic general strike, which includes the non-payment of taxes. The British authorities are considering whether to arrest* and deport him and meanwhile have filled the prisons of India with thousands of revolutionaries, whom they are treat- ing with their accustomed barbarity. Meanwhile, a pleasant young gentleman, called the Prince of Wales, is led like a prize ox around the towns of India and is duly photographed, receiving the homage of intimidated Indians, announcing their loyalty to England at the rate of 5 rupees a day, and the photographs are produced by the North- cliffe and all the yellow press as proof of the loyalty of India to the British Empire. Thus the Genoa Conference and the "tempest in a tea-cup" over the Reform of the House of Lords are merely convenient excuses for covering up the financial situation of the British Empire at home and the rising tide of revolution in its Asiatic dependencies. *Ghandi has been sentenced to imprisonmeRt for mx Tears since the above was written. Digitized by Google 164 SOVIET RUSSIA March 15. 1922 The Work of Wrangel Soldiers at Baku (In the *'Izvestya'* of January 19 Serebrovsky gives an account of how a part of the former Wrangel soldiers returned to Russia and atoned for the crimes they had committed against their country.) npHE difficult situation which had developed in ^ the oil industry of Baku, owing to the lack of foodstu£fs and technical equipment, reached such a critical stage in the spring of 1921 that great numbers of Persian and Armenian workers began to flock back to their villages and swift remedy had to be found. For this reason I was entrusted, in May, 1921, with the task of selling naptha and oil products and getting in return food- stuffs, manufactured articles and technical equip- ment But it would have taken a rather long time before a sufficient number of Persian workers from Ardebil and Armenian workers from Zangezur would have heard of this and arrived. This loss of time might however have sealed the doom of the oil industry in Baku. For this reason I decided to look for the necessary workers among the Wran- gel soldiers in Constantinople, reckoning upon the frame of mind of a part of these men who were greatly longing to be back home. In this connection I wish to say a few words about the voluntary and non-voluntary Russian emigres in Constantinople in May, 1921. In my life I have seen many cases of great distress, but I had never felt a horror to equal that which the situation of the Wrangel soldiers evoked in me. On the day of my arrival, while walking along the main street of Pera, the European part of Constantinople, I observed the generals and staff officers of the Wrangel army passing by the most fashionable stores and restaurants in all their splendor, and accompanied by their ladies. Sud- denly there appeared from one of the side streets a troop of walking corpses covered with dirty and vermin-eaten rags. First I thought that these wretches were Red Army soldiers who had been taken prisoner and who had been allowed to sink to such a condition of misery. When I began to talk to them, however, I discovered that they were Wrangel soldiers who had been driven to a camp outside the city after they had just recovered from typhus. I also learned in the course of my con- versation, that many Cossacks and infantry soldiers, including those who had remained in good health, wanted to return to Russia at any price. One of the supervising officers soon put a rude end to our conversation. I then decided to visit the camp, in order to get acquainted with the condition of the men on the spot A happy accident was in my favor. I met an old French officer, the father of one of my schoolmates at Brussels, who happened to be in charge of the Wrangel camps. He ex- pressed his readiness to supply me with the neces- sary credentials, but warned me against the Wrangel officers who opposed so strongly the re- turn of their men to Russia that they would not even stop at resorting to violence in order to pre- vent it On the Island of Lenmos an altercation over this question resulted in an armed clash be- tween the military cadets of the notorious hangman- general Kutepov and the French guards. My friend-protector even attached to me a young French officer. One morning I started out with my companion for the Wrangel camp. Contrary to my expectations, nothing more occurred there beyond coarse swearing on the part of the officers. In the camps situated close to the city, I succeeded in recruiting a few hundred workers for the oil- wells of Baku. I did not conceal from them the difficulties of our food situation, or the work that would have to be done. Nevertheless the people willingly accepted all the hardships into the bargain in order to atone for all the conscious and un- conscious crimes they had conunitted against their country. All the heroic Cossacks who participated in the war against the Germans and the Austrians cried for joy when they saw themselves so near the goal of their longing to return home, when they learned that after six months' work they would obtain civil equality in the Russia of the workers and peasants, which they had now begun to love. The officers, it appeared to me, were dissatisfied, and grumbled only because they were not included in this in- vitation to return to Russia. Individually they sought to learn from me the attitude of the Soviet Government toward the return of the officers, and whether they would not have to face punishment for their participation in the war against their country. I told them that I had instructions to recruit workers only. Shortly after my arrival, a meeting took place to which there came also officers whose attitude was definitely hostile. From their midst were heard exclamations: "You are leading the people to execution!" "Are the victims of Crimea not yet sufficient?" I explained to the Cossacks and to the infantry soldiers that we would not take anybody to Baku by force, that those who would go with me would be granted full anmesty, that although the amnesty had not yet been ex- tended to the officers, this would be the case very soon. My words brought forth a storm of fury and execration. But the soldiers outshouted the officers and declared that they believed me and that they intended to go back to Russia. A large number immediately passed through the doors and ran to the harbor. A Cossack, apparently an officer, in- vited me to the stables, where allegedly there had assembled several hundred people who wanted to go back. When I got there I met with a hostile reception, being nearly cut down by the officers. Digitized by Google April 1, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA 165 and it was only due to the intervention of the rank and file that I came off alive. The very same day I managed to arrange all my affairs preparatory to my departure. O^e steamer had already been unloaded and about 3200 men had boarded the other. They received us with loud cheers. I learned later that the men had formed a conmiittee, which organized an orchestra and sewed a red flag. Soon the anchors were raised and I bade my ac- quaintance, the French officer, a hearty farewell. The orchestra played the Internationale, and the red flag was hoisted while the steamer entered the Bosphorus. We passed American, English and Italian cruisers, from which we were greeted with loud cheers and the waving of hats. Finally we passed Wrangel's yacht, the "LucuUus". At this moment all my passengers emitted furious shouts and jeers. They gathered empty cans and all kinds of utensils and threw them on the deck of the Wrangel yacht On the way we busily plied the Wrangel soldiers with propaganda. On the fol- lowing day we arrived in Batum. I landed first in order to arrange the necessary formalities and to provide for the further transport of the men to Baku. The Cheka, seeing my •*White Guards", simply let them alone. In the evening we pro- ceeded on our journey to Baku. Inunediately upon our arrival, the men were distributed to the various establishments and the work began. It was a real pleasure to observe how eagerly they set to work! Our workers could not help feeling ashamed when they looked at those men at work, trying hard to make up for their sins. And here the great change was wrought which resulted in a gradual but cer- tain improvement of our oil industry. Thus it was really the former Wrangel soldiers who created for the oibfiT workers the incentive to hard work which helped rehabilitate the oil industry in Baku. For this reason they were treated with exceptional consideration. In fact, they were regarded as comrades who from darkness had found their way to light. The party workers who were active in their midst were full of praise for their eagerness to work and their attitude toward the Soviet power. The party committee even forbade the use of the word "Wrangelite" in order that all unpleasant remembrances of the activities of the traitor might be forgotten. After six months, Baku presented quite a different picture. The oil production has reached an output of 240,000 tons per month. At present, 1075 wells are exploited and the oil out- put has increased to about 16,000 tons daily. Under such circumstances, the former Wrangel soldiers, after six months' work, were free to leave Baku. They all returned to their homes as the defeated in the struggle against the people of Russia and as participants in the common victory over the collapse of this part of our national economy. Some of the Wrangel men voluntarily remained in Baku and continue, together with the newly arrived workers from Ardebil and Zangezur, to work in the reconstruction of our national economy. Now Baku has a sufficient number of efficient workers. the spirit of the working population is no longer that of dejection, and there is hope for a final victory. TO THE TEACHERS OF ^LL COUNTRIES The following Appeal was recently issued by the Third All-Russian Congress of the Teachers' Union: The National Congress of Russian Teachers ap- peals to you, teachers of the world. The broad plains of Southern Russia today resemble a barren desert. The bony hand of death threatens millions of workers and their children. Among them are thousands of teachers and their families. The fight against the famine is extremely difficult in the unfortunate and exhausted country. The Soviet government — the only workers* government in the world — ^is attempting with superhuman en- ergy to save the lives of the population of the famine region. But the means at the disposal of the exhausted land are so small that without foreign assistance their salvation is impossible. Workers of the world! We as the representa- tives of 700,000 teachers and educational workers turn to you with a fraternal call and an urgent appeal for help. You yourselves know best how and with what you can help. Conunence a great movement in your countries on an international scale under the slogan "Help for Proletarian Russia!" Send us this help by all possible channels; send it over the heads at your governments, over the frontiers that separate us. Support the working-class in its struggle against new attempts at intervention which will mean even greater ruin and even more suffering for our exhausted country. Half of the sum neces- sary to build a dreadnought is sufficient to save 20 million human beings from death by starvation. We do not doubt that the "civilized" governments of "civilized" Europe will refuse to give up this half -dreadnought in order to help us. But we also do not doubt that you, workers of the world, will, in answer to our appeal, do all in your power to aid us. The Third All-Russian Congress of the Trade Union of Educational Workers, BUSTS OF LENIN AND TROTSKY, the work of Gare Sheridan, have been reproduced in plaster of Paris with the artistes permission. Orders for the Lenin bust (large size) should be accom- panied by remittance of three dollars; for the Trotsky bust, two dollars. THE FRIENDS OF SOVIET RUSSIA 201 West 13th Street, Art Department * New York City Digitized by Google 166 SOVIET RUSSIA April 1, 1922 Debs Asks You to Help Russia Eugene V. Debs, from his home in Terre Haute, has issued an appeal for famine relief for Soviet Russia which every American worker will heed. Deeply sympathizing with the struggle of the workers in Russia in their fight against the heart- less ruling class of the world, he calls upon every- one to give the starving in Russia "the bread we hold in our hands". The appeal for contributions for Russian Famine Relief by Eugene V. Debs follows: "Where the bravest of our conurades have fought and suffered and sacrificed their all with a sublime heroism that has no parallel in history; where the embattled Russian revolutionists have staunchly stood and held their ground against the combined powers of the world's despotism and reaction in the war of the workers for liberation, there too are millions of men, women and children stricken with gaunt hunger and writhing in the skeleton clutch of starvation. These Russian comrades of ours whose matchless valor and self-sacrifice have thrilled and inspired the workers of all nations and challenged the plaudits of the whole world now look to you, American workers, to come to their rescue in the desperate crisis now upon them and save them to humanity in the rebuilding of the ruined world. "These heroes in Russia who have immortalized their cause, our cause, who have paid in overflow- ing measure in blood and tears and agony un- speakable, the price of their fidelity and devotion to the oppressed and exploited toilers not only of their own land but of the whole world, now appeal to us for the food that shall save them from perishing as hostages to starvation, and shall we now fail to return in small part what we owe them for what they have suffered in the awful years of the revolution to break the fetters of labor everywhere and set humanity free from the curse of the ages? "In Russia our comrades have suffered and en- dured beyond the power of words to express to save us suffering; they have gone hungry and naked that we might be fed and clothed; they have bared their heroic breasts to the bayonets and bullets of a hostile and heartless ruling class world to give liberty to the human race, and shall these martyr spirits, these glorious souls and their helpless children now be permitted to die igno- miniously for the want of the bread we hold in our hands? "No, a thousand times no! We should merit eternal reproach for our recreancy if we failed in this crucial hour to give and to give promptly, and to give again and again to the full limit of our power. *The starving workers and peasants of Soviet Russia cry aloud to us in the throes of their desperation and agony, and unless our hearts are of stone we can hear them by day and by night, and I appeal to every member of the American working class, to every man, woman and child with sympathy for starving fellow-creatures, to every human being responsive to human suffering within reach of my voice, to give and give at once and give freely and to the last dollar and the last penny that may be spared to the Friends of Soviet Russia, swelling the present contributions a hundredfold, for the relief as far as possible of the awful famine in the struggling Soviet Re- public and for the rescue of the millions of its threatened victims whose cruel and shocking fate would forever shame our common humanity and leave a foul and damning blot on our vaunted civilization." (Signed) Eugene V. Debs American workers desiring to respond to this appeal by Eugene V. Debs are called upon by the Friends of Soviet Russia to sign the Roll Call and give. A roll call of all friends of Soviet Russia is being taken by the F. S. R. The Roll Call Book will go forward with shipments of food made be- fore May 1st, and will be deposited in the archives of the Soviet Government as an attestation of in- ternational solidarity, as proof that you helped Soviet Russia when she needed help most Write the Friends of Soviet Russia, 201 West 13th Street, New York City, and say: "I want to sign and give." OUR LITERATURE DEPARTMENT There has been an error in a statement in a previous bulletin with regard to "Commun- ism and Christianism" by Wra. M. Brown. Bishop Brown has donated an unlimited quantity of the paper-bound edition to relief work, in addition to the 2,000 cloth bound copies, which sell at $1.00, every penny of which goes for relief. The paper edition may be had at 25c. per copy (not 50c.) or 6 for $1.00. This book is one of the most popular on the market at the present time, and should be widely circu- lated, particularly since all returns are for relief. The second edition of F. S. R. Post Cards is just off the press and will be sent to the affili- ations without delay. All the former edition that the branches have on hand should be disposed of at once — either by sale or free distribution. The edition of 2,000 of John Reed's "Ten Days That Shook the World," has been exhausted and a fresh supply had to be procured. 'Tamine Pamphlets" are all gone. A new edition, with different pictures will appear with- in a few weeks. Digitized by Google April 1, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA 167 My Impressions of Russia By Henrt Sara The author of this article is an English comrade now speaking for the Famine Relief Work of the Friends of Soviet Russia in various American cities. His knowledge of Russia is based on very extensive travels in that country {see next page). A LL personification is unreal. Liberty is a great •*^ thing in most countries — but quite an ab- Btraction, and equally elusive. Emancipation is a great slogan, but quite intangible. And even the giant Labor is so composite as to be largely a contradictory Beast So that hostility to Soviet Russia, where Labor has been made the all-in-all, is easy to understand. Why should a Republic be allowed to prevail where Labor has been made such a fetish? Why should any group or set of men be allowed to bring into being an organiza- tion having for its end the establishment of Inter- nationalism? Internationalism as an abstraction is alright, but practical Internationalism is all vrrong. A paternalism towards Labor is permis- sible but a recognition of Labor is absurd. Well, that is Soviet Russia's real fault She has been guilty of sincerity. That b an unpardonable breach of die international code, hence she has been called upon to pay a heavy toll. And the toll is still being exacted. Whoever has lived and traveled in Russia has marveled, during many stages of 'the journey, at the tremendous effort of Idealism displayed by thoee who have assumed the great task of building up a Republic based upon the recognition of Labor. It seems almost a superhuman task and never more so than when a full realization is made of the numerous races gathered together 'neath the Red banner which the revolutionaries have defended so gloriously. It is impossible to escape the feeling that much is being done to translate into reality the senti- ments so pointedly expressed on one of the many artistic posters: From Darkness to Light; From thm Struggle to the Book; From the Book to Happi- ness. To make Labor aware! What a crime against Civilization! To introduce among a primitive people the means to lessen toil! Many tourists have visited Russian Turkestan and all have re- marked the backwardness of tribes or races to be found there. The old official Russia dominated this vast area, exploited these simple folk, and was concerned merely with the possibility of wringing wealth from them, aided by their ignorance. And now? Now there are native halls upon the walls of which are borne the portraits of their leaders in the revolutionary Cause. Slogans expressing Inter- national Solidarity with the Workers of the World. Literature explaining in suitable language the new message of Labor's power. Here among 5iese races, ■nknown to the man in the street very often, are to be fonnd ardent Communists spreading enlight- enment in schools and classes where there pre- viously existed only a n^lected "rabble". Picture a noisy teashop placarded with Soviet posters, and cartoons; a string band making weird music; trays of dried fruit; bowls of tea; fliat rounds of bread; and looking down upon the proceedings two oil paintings, one of Lenin, and the other of Karl Marx! Miles from the railway, hundreds of miles from a big city, and though one describes the music as weird nevertheless the strains of the melody of the International are quite recognizable. TTien a call tor a meeting. Over a wide stretch of water, for the drainage is bad, is built a barge and then the cry having gone round, swarms and swarms of fantastically dressed men — the women are not the equals of the men, yet — gather round the chairman's table erected under Uie roofed market place. In passionate eloquence the speakers tell their story of the new fr^om, of the new power, of the potentiality of the Giant Labor. Then elsewhere, among the women, meetings are run by the women workers. The educational work adapted to meet the requirements of women who are actually hidden away from the joy of life is very difficult but still it goes on apace. Women who have been veiled, that is wear a black pieoe of gauze-like material, closely woven, over their faces, so that no other man except their husband shall be able to look upon their faces, through the new message, discard the primitive custom. Slowly they learn to feel the kinship of their sisters of the world. The beginning of greater things. Then the theatres. Not only are plays sent from Moscow in which the iconoclasm of Lunacharsky and such like playwrights is given full scope, but native plays dealing with local conditions, local problems, and native history are acted with the view to assist the larger educational work. It can be objected that after all this is largely a surface matter, that below this activity the lives of the people have changed but little. That is quite true, but the objection is not exactly helpful. The vastness of Russia is little understood. To say that Russia is three times as large as America, or that the famine area is as large as France, is a commonplace method of making comparisons. Ac- tually to travel in the country produces an im- pression quite impossible to register in writing. To look out of a railway carriage window whilst on a journey in the South of Russia is to look upon nothing very often but wide stretches of land upon which no signs of life or habitation can be met People who talk so glibly about what the Russians ought to do are usually the least informed as to Digitized by Google 168 SOVIET RUSSIA April 1, 1922 The heavy black line on this map indicates the route followed by Comrade Sara on Russian and Turkestan raUways. The tnp took him all the way to picturesque Tashkent and back. actual conditions. On the spot one does not say: Why don't they do this, or why don't they do that? But rather: How do they do this, and how do they do that? For, just as Rome was not built in twenty- four hours, so one-sixth of the Earth's surface will take longer than four years, four years of civil conflict at that, to touch a fringe of the prob- lem of social reconstruction. This applies to Red Petrograd and Martial Moscow, as well as to the great areas of steppes mentioned above. But whilst so often one finds the critics shirking the task, and the criticized striving, striving, ever striving, choice is not difficult, the battle is with those who shoulder it; and little is recked but the winning, by them. In far away Kokand, for example, one will find a cotton mill, perhaps as primitive a form of mill on a large scale as is to be found anywhere in the world. Without any modem ma- chinery, without metal castings, a workingman has built up a plant, for weaving and spinning, entire- ly in wood. During our visit the plant was working at its normal speed and one gained some idea what was being lost by lack of machinery suitable for the work. And whilst these people struggle, struggle, struggle, to render life possible without exploitation, the Russian emigre propagandists Ulk to their fearful students of the horrors of Bolshevism. One of the largest London uni- versities has regular lectures by various professional genUenacn who do their utmost to horrify their audience. For example, in a series of lectures recentiy on the "Russian Peasantry", Baron A. F. MeyendorfiF managed to picture a very disagreeable and brutal crea- ture. Sir Bernard Pares' history was only outdone by the notorious Harold Williams on "The Russian Intelligentsia". He told of an offi- cer who approached him for a copy of the TUnes newspaper. When asked what it was for, he explained that it was for sleeping upon. TTie si^ went up from the audience in commiseration with the officer. How many of die audience sighed at the thought that outside of the very building in which they were sitting that night, men and women would be sleeping on sheets of newspapers on the stones because they were homeless, one has no means of knowing, but it is safe to say that it would be a very small number. As Harold Williams told his thrilling tale, one's mind not in- voluntarily drew the contrast between this new world and the old brutality of Tsarism, and de- lighted in the revolutionary hopes of our time, the swift changes, the enthusiasm now warming all hearts. Russia, Soviet Russia, where an indomitable people try to realize visions must never be forsaken by us, nor call upon us in vain. Important Events of 1921 January 4. Rising in Georgia against Menshevik Government. 26. Aalonomous Republics of Daghestan and the Mountain Peoples (Northern slopes of Caucasus) formed. February 3. Death of P. A. Kropotkin. Russo-Turkish Conference opened at Moscow. Establishment of Soviet Government in Georgia, «^ Signature of Treaty between Soviet Russia Afghanistan. March 1. Rising in Kronsladl. 16. 17. 18. 26. 27. and Signature of Treaty with Turkey. Signature of Trade Agreement with Great Britain. Central Executive Committee decided to introduce taxation in kind in- stead of food levies. Kronstadt rising put down. Signature of Peace Treaty with Poland. April 20. Mongolia declared an independent State. Mat 6. Signature of Trade Agreement with Germany. June , „ . %, 1 20. OfBcial statement of crop failure m Volga provincos. Digitized by Google April 1, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA 169 29. Third Congress of the Communist International opened at Moscow. My 1. First International Congress of Red Trade Unions opened at Moscow. 12. Central Executive Committee issued decree embodying application of new economic policy to minor indus- tries, handicraft workers, and co-operative societies. 21. Proclamation of famine area, and appeals for relief. 31. Arrival in Moscow of the British Trade Delegation. August 4. Arrival of Polish Diplomatic Mission in Moscow. 6. Norway accepts terms of Trade Agreement proposed by Russia. 12. Dutch Government permits its nationals to trade with Russia. Italian Cabinet sanctions negotiations for Trade Agreement with Russia. 20. Signature of agreement between Mr. Hoover's organ- ization for famine relief and the Soviet Government. SefUmber 2. Signature of Trade Agreement with Norway at Christiania. 7. Widenfeld. Norwegian Government representative, leaves for Moscow. Signature of Agreement on Relief with Dr. Nansen. 8. Czecho-SIovak Trade Delegation leaves for Moscow. 24. First cargo of locomotives from Germany leaves for Petrograd. 25. Conference between the Angora Government, Russia, and the Caucasian Republics opened at Kars. Octohtr 3. Arrival in Moscow of Finnish Charge d'affaires. 12. Decree of Central Executive Conunittee establishing a State Bank. 13. Appeal issued by Geneva International Conference to all Governments to grant an inmiediate loan to Russia for famine relief. 14. Peace Treaty signed between the Caucasian Republics and Turkey. 19. Decision of the Central Executive Committee to esub- lish an autonomous Republic of the Crimea. 21. Swedish Government expresses readiness to begin negotiations for a Trade Agreement with Russia. 22. Russian Trade Delegation arrives in Christiania. 24. Arrival in Berlin of the Russian representative, M. Krestinsky. 26. Representatives of French firms in Constantinople begin commercial negotiations with the Ukrainian Delegation. 28. Economic Conference between the Baltic Sutes and Soviet Russia opened. 29. Declaration of Soviet Government on the recognition of pre-war debts. November 4. Chicherin protests against the exclusion of Russia from the Washington Conference. 5. Amnesty granted to the soldiers who fought in the White armies against Russia. Stefanski appointed Polish Ambassador to Russia. Treaty signed between Russia and Mongolia. 14. Arrival of German Trade Delegation at Petrograd. Exchange of Notes with England with regard to recognition of pre-war debts. 17. Commissariat for Foreign Affairs issued statement on Finnish border raiders' attacks on Karelia. 18. General Slashchev and other Wrangel oflBcers return to Russia. 24. General Slashchev appeals to the officers and soldiers of Wrangel's army to return to Russia. Far Eastern Republic protests against support being ^ven by Japan to counter-revolutionaries in the Maritime province. 25. Norwegian Trade Delegation leaves Christiania for Moscow. 30. Frontier Commission finally settles borders between Russia and Esthonia. December . 5. The Soviet Government protests agamst the violation of the Yuriev Peace Treaty by Finland. Krestinsky opens an International Famine Relief Conference in Berlin. 8. Treaties signed between Russia, the Ukraine, and Austria. 10. The Polish Government invites the Ukrainian Gov- ernment to start negotiations for a Trade Agreemenu 14. Paikes, representing the R. S. F. S. R., and Klassing representing the Far Eastern Republic, arrive in Pekin. 23. Ninth All-Russian Congress of Soviets opened. 25. Death of Vladimir Korolenko. 28. The United Sutes Congress votes $20,000,000 for famine relief in Russia. (From the Moscow "Izvestyc^) ALLIES OF THE RUSSUN FAMINE By Robert Pelletier ' (From ''UHumanit£\ Paris, February 17, 1922) The Russian famine has allies all over the world. There are men so blinded by their hatred of Commmiism that they are willing to apply all the influence at their disposal to cripple the work of relief and to aggravate the frightful sufferings of millions of people. One of these persons is M. Pierre Ryss, a con- tributor to the Posledrdya Novosti, a paper pub- lished by M. Miliukov in Paris. M. Ryss put into circulation an accusation that American Commun- ists have collected $500,000 for the starving in Russia and spent it for propaganda, inviting thf Russian Government to credit the starving in Russi j with an equivalent simi. The Temps, without mentioning the American Communists by name, gleefully used the arguments of M. Ryss, and, joining him in his assistance to the famine, the great semi-official journal of the French Republic has declared that in that "great country" the Communists had committed this act of malfeasance, which was the subject of an entire article calculated to give the French bourgeosie a good pretext for tightening its purse-strings. It is easy to imagine the joy with which the patriotic orators of the bourgeois salons all over the provinces of France will exploit this wonderful slogan: ''A gift to the starving in Russia is a gift for Communist propaganda". And Mr. Pierre Ryss, who is doubtless a Russian, may delight in the thought that he has killed several thousands of his compatriots by this use of his pen. It so happens that M. Ryss is lying. The American Communists, more specifically, the Friends of Soviet Russia, have indeed received $500,000,* and this sum was spent in shipments extending from October 15 to December 24, on five ships, the steamers Margus, Floridan, Elzasier^ Gasconier and Eastern Coast, including foodstuffs and medicaments to the total value of $450,652. The rest of the $500,000 was used for transport charges. ^Doubtless the author, who jumps at the conclusion that the Friends of Soviet Russia is a Communist organization, is here including the sums collected hy other organizations affiliated with the American Federated Russian Famine Relief Committee, as well as by the American Office of tlie Russian Red Cross. Digitized by Google 170 SOVIET RUSSIA April 1, 1922 Dr. Bagotzky, delegate of the Ruwian Red Cross to the International Red Cross Committee at Geneva, has been in a position to check up the amounts contributed to the Society, and he con- firms the figures given above. But the harm done by M. Ryss is irreparable, for the Temps, although it reprinted his calumny, will not reprint our denial. And there will be people, all over France, who will be happy to find a pretext to ignore the cry of distress of the famished, as well as the voice of their own consciences. As for M.- Miliukov and his accomplices, they will have made themselves responsible for a crime of which it will be difficult to measure the horror, the extent, and the hypocrisy. Thousands of wretched people who might have been saved will now die. The Changed World Situation By Leon Trotsky {After an analysis of the reaction of each social class to the changed economic conditions, the fourth instalment of Trotsky's new book takes up the possibility of an armed clash betueen the United States and Great Britain. The fifth and last instalment, to appear in the next issue of Soviet Russia, will deal with the tasks and prospects of the working class after the war.) The Present Crisis A FTER the bourgeoisie had accomplished the '^"^ demobilization of troops and fought back the first onslaught of the working masses, it re- covered from its state of confusion, fear, and panic, and regained its self-assurance. It now began to believe that this was only the beginning of an era of the greatest prosperity, for which no end was to be seen. Well known English statesmen pro- posed to raise an international loan of £2,000,- 000,000 sterling for reparation tasks. It seemed as if a rain of gold were about to descend upon Europe and produce a general prosperity. The destruction of Europe, the wiping out of its cities and villages, was transformed — with the aid of these fantastic loan figures — into actual wealth, but there was in reality nothing but the shadow cast by misery. But real facta soon brought the bour- geoisie back out of the world of air castles. I have already mentioned the crisis that began in Japan in March, 1921, then broke out in the United States (in April) and thereupon extended to Eng- land, France and Italy, and, in the second half of last year, embraced the entire world. From what I have already said it is perfectly clear that we are not dealing with a simple fluctuation in a periodic cycle of industry, but with a retribution for the destructions and wastes of the entire war and post-war periods. In 1913 the net imports of all nations amounted to 65,700,000,000 gold marks (16 billion gold dollars). Of this sum Russia imported 2,500,- 000,000; Austria-Hungary, 3,000,000,000; the Balkans, 1,000,000,000; Germany, 11,000,000,000 gold marks. Thus Central and Eastern Europe imported more than one-fourth of the total com- modity imports of the world. At present all these countries are importing less than one-fifth of their former importations. This figure is a sufficient indication of the present purchasing power of Europe. What are the immediate economic prospects? It is evident that America will have to draw in its belt, since it can no longer hope to sell to the European war market. On the other hand, Europe likewise will have to adapt itself to the most back- ward, i. e., the most devastated regions and branches of industry. This means an economic adjustment downward, in other words, an extended crisis, with stagnations in certain branches and countries, and a very feeble growth in others. The cyclical varia- tions will continue, but on the whole the curve of capitalist evolution will go down instead of up. Crisis, Boom, and Revolution. The mutual relation between economic advance and crisis in the development of revolution is not only of great theoretical interest to us, but more particularly of practical interest Many of us will remember that Marx and Engels in 1851 — ^when prosperity was coming on with full speed — wrote that the revolution of 1848 must now be considered as closed, or at least as postponed until the next crisis should ensue. Engels wrote that the crisis of 1847 had been the mother of revolution, while the prosperity of 1849-51 was the mother of victori- ous counter-revolution. But it would be quite one-sided and at bottom quite incorrect to in- terpret these observations as meaning that a crisis always has a revolutionary eff'ect, and that prosper- ity always pacifies the working class. The revolu- tion of 1848 was not born of crisis. The crisis had only been the final provocation. The revolu- tion actually was produced by the opposition be- tween the needs of capitalistic development and the fetters of a semi-feudal social and government system. The revolution of 1848, although it was absolutely deficient in resoluteness or complete- ness, nevertheless did eliminate the remnants of the guild and feudal systems and thus extended the framework of capitalist development. Under these circumstances — and only because of these circum- stances — the advance of 1851 was the beginning of a long epoch of capitalistic prosperity, lasting until 1873. May we expect the same effect from the advance in 1919-1920? By no means. There was no longer a possibility of extending the framvirork Digitized by Google April 1, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA 171 of capitalistic derelopment Does this mean that the remote or even the very near future may not bring a new boom in trade and industry? By no means. I have already said that so long as capitalism lives it continues breathing in and out. But in the epoch that we have just entered, in the epoch of retribution for the destructions and devastations of the war, in the epoch of adjustment downward, the periods of prosperity can be only superficial and predominantly speculative in charac- ter, while the crises are much longer and more profound. Therefore, is a restoration of capitalist equili- brium possible on a new basis? If we admit — let us do so for a moment — that the working class ¥rill Bot rise to the point of revolutionary struggle and will thus give the bourgeoisie an opportunity to dominate the affairs of the world for a long series of years — let us say two or three decade*-— there is n6 doubt that a certain new equilibrium will be attained. Europe will go back a great way. Mil- lions of European workers will die through tm- employment and undernourishment. The United States will adjust itself anew to the world market, recast its industries and cut down Us operations for m long period. After this painful process has been followed by a new division of labor in the world in the course of some fifteen or twenty or twenty- five years, a new epoch of capitalistic prosperity miffht again begin. Bat this entire speculation is quite abstract and one-sided. It is based on the assumption that the proletariat will cease its struggle. But there can be no possibility for this, if only for the reason that the class antagonisms have been remarkably sharpened in the course of the last few years. Social clashes become more serious. Sharpening of Class Antagonism Economic evolution is not an automatic process. I have thus far spoken of the bases of production, but this does not dispose of the matter. Men live and work with these bases under them, and it is these men that carry out the process of evolution. Now, what has taken place in the relations between men, or better, the relations between classes? We have seen that Germany — and other countries of Europe also — have been thrown back to their eco- nomic level of twenty or thirty years ago. But have they also been thrown back in the sense of the development of their social classes? Not a bit of it! Germany's classes, the number of its workers and the degree of concentration and organization of its capital — all these things were being developed before the war, particularly during the two decades of prosperity from 1894 to 1913, and continued coming to a head: during the war, with the aid of government intervention, and after the war, in the course of a mad wave of speculation and concen- tration of capital. We therefore face two processes of evolution. The national wealth and the national income are going down, but the development of glasses is not going backward but forward. The ■nmb«r of proletarians is increasing, capital is being concentrated in fewer and fewer hands, the banks are amalgamating, industrial enterprises are concentrating into trusts. As a result, a class strug- gle is being waged owing to the decrease in the national income. There is the whole point. The less secure becomes the material foundation under their feet, the more will the classes and groups be obliged to fight for their share of this national income. This circumstance must not be ignored for a moment If Europe has been forced back thirty years in its national wealth, this does not mean that it has become thirty years younger. It means rather that it has become thirty years poorer, but as far as classes are concerned three hundred years older. Such are the relations now existing between the proletariat and the bourgeoisie. The Peasantry In the first period of the war people spoke and wrote that the peasantry all over Europe was be- coming richer by the war. And, as a matter of fact, bread and meat were very much needed by the government for the army. Insane prices, always rising, were being paid for everything, and the pockets of the peasants were bulging with treasury notes. With these more and more devaluated credit notes the peasants paid the debts that they had contracted in coin of full value. Of course this was a very advantageous operation for them. The bourgeois economists believed that the de- velopment of peasant economy after the war would guarantee the stability of capitalism. But they were miscalculating somewhat. The peasants did pay their mortgages, but farming does not consist alone in the payment of debts to banks. It also means working the soil, fertilizing it, keeping implements in repair, getting good seed, making technical improvements, etc. All this was either unobtainable or cost piles of money. And no labor was to be obtained. Agriculture declined, and the peasants, after their first semi-fictitious prosperity, became impoverished. This process may be ob- served at various stages all over Europe. But it is coming out with particular crassness in Amer- ica. The American, Canadian, Australian and South American farmers, when it became clear that a ruined Europe would not be able to continue buying their grain, suffered very acutely. Grain prices dropped. All over the world there is famine and discontent among the farmers. The peasantry thus ceases to be the prop of the present system. The working class has begun to be able to draw at least a portion of the peasantry {the lower layers) into its own struggle, in neutralizing another section {the middle layers), and in paralyzing the upper section {the exploiting elements). ^ The New Middle Class The reformists put great hopes in the so-called new middle-class. Engineers, technicians, physicians lawyers, bookkeepers, office workers, corporation and government clerks, etc., all these are considered as a s«ni-conservative group, standing between capital and labor, and having the function — in the Digitized by Google 172 SOVIET RUSSIA April 1, 1922 eyes of the reformists — of guiding and at the same time supporting the democratic regime. During the war and after the war this class suffered even more than the working class, i. e., their standard of living went down lower than that of the working class. The main cause of this is in the decrease in the purchasing power of money and in the de- valuation of paper money. In all the countries of Europe this cause has produced great discontent and even the middle officialdom and the technical brain workers have been infected with it. Of course the government and corporation employees, bank clerks, etc., etc., have not become completely pro- letarian, but they have lost their former conserv- s^ve character. They now have changed from a sup- port of the state to a discontented and protesting element that undermines and shakes its mechanism. The discontent of the bourgeois intellectuals is made more grave by their connection with the petty and middle trade and industrial bourgeoisie. The latter feels itself cheated and neglected. The trustified bourgeoisie is becoming wealthier and wealthier in spite of the impoverishment of the eountry. It is appropriating an ever increasing portion of the dwindling national income. The non-trustified bourgeoisie and the new middle class (intellectual workers) are going down relatively and absolutely. As for the proletariat, it is very probable that in spite of its lower standard of living it now has a larger share of the decreasing national income than it had before the war. Trustified capital makes an effort to decrease the worker's share and put him back on a pre-war footing. The worker, how- ever, does not proceed from statistical observation, but from his own lowered scale of living, and is determined to increase his share of the national income. In other words, the peasants are dissatis- fied owing to the decline of their production; the brain workers are becoming poorer and demoral- ized; the petty bourgeoisie and the middle class are ruined and discontented. The class struggle is coming to a head, IntenuOional Relations International relations, of course, play an im- poitant part in the life of the capitalist world, which keenly felt this condition during the world war. Even now, when we put the question whether it is possible or impossible for capital to reestab- lish world equilibrium, we must consider what are the international relations under which this work of restoration is to be prosecuted. We may easily convince ourselves that international relations have become much more strained, are much less likely to favor a "peaceful" development of capital than was the case before the war. Why did the war take place? Because the pro- ductive forces were being stunted by the frame of the most powerful capitalistic countries. The efforts of imperialistic governments were directed toward abolishing national boundaries, toward em- bracing the whole ball of the earth, toward elimina- ting boundary marks and toll gates that might hold back the development of the productive forces. This is the economic basis of imperialism and the cause of the war. And what is the result? Europe now has more boundaries and more toll gates than ever before. It has created a whole atlas of petty states. The former Austro-Himgarian Empire is now represented by ten customs boundaries. The English writer Keynes has called Europe a mad- house and, as a matter of fact, from the standpoint of economic development, this entire separatist tendency of the petty states, with their isolation and their customs tariffs, amounts to a monstrous anachronism, an insane mediaeval note in the orchestra of the twentieth century. The Balkans, to be sure, were barbarized; but Europe became Balkanized. The relations between Germany and France abso- lutely preclude any possibility of a European equi- librium. France is obliged to plunder or violate Germany in order to maintain class equilibrium at home, which would otherwise be impossible owing to the exhausted resources of French economy. It is impossible that Germany should remain the object of this plundering, and it will not be able to continue as such an object. Of course, an ar- rangement has been made for the present Germany has undertaken the obligation of paying annually two billion gold marks and in addition twenty-six per cent of its exports. This arrangement is a victory for the English policy, which aims to prevent a French occupation of the Ruhr district At present the main aggregations of European iron ores are in the hands of France, while most of the coal is in the hands of Germany. The first condi- tion for a restoration of European economic life is a combination of the French ore with the German coal, but this union, so necessary for economic de- velopment, would be fatal to English capitalism. All of London's efforts are therefore directed at preventing either an offensive or a peaceful com- bination of French ores with the German coal. For the present France has accepted the compro- mise, if only for the reason that it is unable, owing to its disorganized production apparatus, to digest all the coal that Germany is now delivering in compulsory consignments. But this does not mean a final solution of the question of the Ruhr district. The first failure on the part of Germany to meet its obligations will again render acute the question of the fate of the Ruhr region. The increase of France's European influence, and also of its international influence, will not be de- termined by the added strength of France, but by the obvious and increasing weakening of England. Great Britain has defeated Germany. This was the question to be answered by the last war. And the war was in reality not a world war, but a European war, even though the struggle between the two most powerful states — Englnd and Germany — was fought out with the participation and assist- ance of all the rest of the world. Germany was defeated by England, but England is now con- siderably weaker in the world market and in the world hegemony than it was before the war. The Digitized by Google April 1, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA ITS United States has grown more at the expense of England than England has grown at the expense of Germany. America is defeating England particularly through the more rational and progressive charac- ter of its industry. The productivity of the Ameri- can worker exceeds that of the English worker by 150 per cent In other words, two American work- ers, by reason of the better organization of industry, produce as much as five English workers. This fact alone, which is admitted by English statistical works, indicates that England's fate is sealed in its struggle \rith America, and this would suffice to drive England into a war with America while the English fleet still predominates on the ocean. All over the world, even in Europe, English coal is being driven out by American coal. Yet Eng- land's world trade was based chiefly on coal ex- ports. Besides, oil is now attaining a decisive importance in industry and defense; it not only feeds automobiles, tractors, submarines and aero- planes, but it has tremendous advantages even as a fuel for the greatest ocean liners, as compared with coal. Fully 70 per cent of the world's oil is pro- duced by the United States. In the case of war, therefore, all this oil will be in the hands of the Washington Government In addition, America has in its hands the oil of. Mexico, amounting to 12 per cent of the world's oil production. Of course, Americans rebuke England for having appropriated fully 90 per cent of all the oil wells of the world outside of the United States, and for preventing Americans from acquiring them, while the Ameri- can wells are likely to run dry in a few years. But these home-made statistical estimates are of a dubi- ous and arbitrary nature. They have been made to order as a justification for America's claims to the oil of Mexico, Mesopotamia, etc. But even if the danger of exhausting the American oil wells should become a real one, it would only be an additional factor in accelerating the war between the United States and England. The indebtedness of Europe to America is an acute question. The debt amounts altogether to 18 billion dollars. The United States are in a position at any moment to cause the greatest difficulties in the European money market by demanding pay- ment As is well known, England even asked America to cancel the English debt and promised in turn to cancel the European debts to England. But as England owes America much more than even the continental countries of the Entente owe Eng- land, England would have gained immensely by this deal. America declined. It is not difficult to understand why the capitalistic Yankees have very little desire to finance Great Britain's war prepara- tions against the United States out of their own funds. England's alliance with Japan, which is fighting for hegemony in Asia against America, also strains the relations between America and England. But the most ticklish element in all these rela- tknm 18 that of the navy. After the Wilson Govern- ment had encountered the resistance of England in an international problem, it devised an immense program of peaceful expansion. The Harding Gov- ernment took over this program from its pre- decessor and it is now being worked on with full steam. In 1924 the American fleet will not only be much larger than that of England, but — if not in tonnage, tiben at least in striking power — it will excel both the English and the Japanese fleets put together.* What does all this mean from the English stand- point? Either England must by 1924 answer the challenge and attempt to destroy the military, naval and the economic power of the United States, by a resort to its present superiority, or it must consent peacefully to become transformed to a power of second or third rate, and definitely yield to the United States the first place on the oceans and seas. The last slaughter of nations, which "solved" the European question in a certain fashion, has therefore given birth to a world ques- tion of tremendous proportions, i. e., the question whether England or the United States shall rule. The preparations for the new world war are in full progress. Expenses for army and navy have risen tremendously as compared with the pre-war period. The English army budget is three times what it was, that of America being three and a half times. On January 1, 1914, i. e., at the moment of highest tension in the period of armed peace, about seven million soldiers were under arms all over the world. At the beginning of 1921 there were about eleven million soldiers under arms. And the greater number of these soldiers, of course, is in exhausted Europe. The sharp crisis which has arisen from the re- striction of the world market is also an extra- ordinary stimulant to the struggle between the capitalistic states and deprives international rela- tions of any stability. Not only Europe is a **mad- house", but all the world. Under diese circum- stances it is idle to speak of a restoration of cap- italist economy. {To be concluded in Soviet Russia for April 15) *An apparent lowering of naval armaments results from the Washington Conference, but doubtless it is of no very serious nature. — Editor, Soviet Russu. SOVIET RUSSIA now appears on the first and fifteenth of each month. Price Fifteen Cents, at all newsstands. Dealers wanted in all cities; also a subscription agent la every city and town in the U. S. and Canada. Subscription Price: $2.50 per year; $1.25 for six months. Address: SOVIET RUSSIA Room 304 110 West 40th Street, New Yoric, N. T. Digitized by Google 174 SOVIET RUSSIA Apdi 1, 1922 The New Policy of the Russian Trade Unions WHEN the economic life of Soviet Russia en- tered a new epoch it was obvious that the question would arise as to the role played by the Trade Unions under the new economic policy. The Trade Unions, embracing 7,500,000 workers and office hands, are one of the most important factors in the life of Soviet Russia. The tasks of the Trade Unions have hitherto consisted in organ- izing and regulating work; they have participated in the organization and management of the entire industry of the country. Under the new economic policy, the tasks of the labor tmions are becoming dififerent Their character itself is being changed. Until now the labor unions were to a certain extent state organizations in a proletarian state. But at present, with the establishment of freedom of trade and a certain development of private capitalism, the antagonism of interest between capital and labor renders necessary a rebuilding of the labor unions, which must adapt themselves to the new tasks arising before them in connection with the new economic policy. What are these tasks and what is to be the part played by the labor unions at the present time? An answer to these questions may be found in the theses of the Central Committee of the Russian Communist Party, adopted on December 28, 1921. These theses give a detailed account of the new tasks of the labor unions and their new role in the state. The main reform in this direction is the return to voluntary membership in the labor unions. Up to the present, the workers and em- ployees of every industry were bound to be mem- bers of the labor union. Under the former eco- nomic policy such a situation was quite natural. However, it stimulated the rise of a certain degree of bureaucracy. The labor imions became to a great extent detached from the masses. The in- troduction of voluntary membership in the labor unions, and a greater interest of their members in union activity, will bring about a strengthening of the authority of the union in the eyes of the work- ing masses. According to the words of Tomsky, General Secretary of the Central Committee of the Labor Unions, the very apparatus of the labor unions will have to be contracted and simplified. The entire economic policy must be directed toward the aim that the labor unions should be able to exist and develop their activity exclusively on the means which they can receive from the membership dues. A voluntary joining of the unions implies also a voluntary payment of dues, which until now had been arranged and controlled by the establishments themselves. In the theses of the Central Committee of the Communist Party it is pointed out that imder no conditions are the members of the labor unions to be requested to subscribe to certain political opinions; they are only to be expected to under- stand the principles of solidarity and discipline and the necessity of uniting the forcas af the workers for the defence of the interesto of the workers and for the support to be given to the incorporated authority of the working olasa, i. e., to the Soviet Government Concerning the tasks of the labor unions, the theses point out the essential difference between the class struggle of the proletariat in a country which recognizes private property in the soil, the fac- tories, etc., in a country in which the political power is in the hands of the capitalist class, and the economic struggle of the proletariat in a state which does not recognize private property in the soil and the majority of the big enterprises, in a state in which the political power is in the hands of the working class. It is declared in the theses that during the transition stage from capitalism to socialism the existence of classes is unavoidable. Therefore the labor unions must openly recognize the existence of the economic struggle as well as its inevitableness until the time when at least the bases of the electrification of industry and agricul- ture have been laid, tmtil the roots of small indi- vidual economy and the domination of the market have been abolished. However, in the capitalist state the final aim of the industrial struggles is the destruction of the government apparatus, is the overthrow of the given governmental class organization. In the proletarian state the labor unions can struggle only against its bureaucratic perversion and against all kinds of capitalist survivals in its institutions. On the other hand they must also fight against the political and cultural backwardness of the working masses. Proceeding from this point of view, the labor unions should direct their efforts towards the speediest and least painful settlement of the con- flicts, with the greatest advantage to the workers represented by them, insofar as these gains can be obtained without detriment to other groups and without prejudice to the development of the labor state and its general economy. The main task of the working class after it has conquered political power is to increase the amount of products and also the productive forces of the country. The most durable and the quickest pos- sible success in the reestablishment of big industry — is the condition without which the success of the emancipation of labor from the yoke of cap- italism, and the victory of socialism, is unthink- able. This success, on the other hand, demands the concentration of all authority in the hands of the industrial management which should superin- tend fixing of wages, the distribution of money, of the food rations, etc. The interference by the labor unions in this activity of the management of the industrial plants is undoubtedly harmful. Their participation in economic and state organs must find its expression in naming their candidates for all economic and goveniment institntiaBa, in Digitized by Google April I, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA 175 the preparing of administrators coming from the workers and the toiling masses in general. On the other hand, there must be an increase in the participation of the unions in the elaboration of the economic plans, of the programs of production and expenditure of the funds for supplying the workers, in the choice of the enterprises which will continue to be supplied by the state, of those which will be leased or given to concessionaries. With- out assuming any function of any control over production, the trade unions will effect their par- ticipation in the regulation of the private capitalist enterprises by participating in the corresponding government organs. Side by side with the participa- tion of the trade unions in the entire cultural and educational activity and production propaganda, such an activity of the labor unions will more and more lead the working class and the toiling masses to an intimate participation in the entire mechanism of state economy. Moreover, one of the basic activities of the labor unions is the elaboration of the schedules and norms of supply. In the theses of the Central Committee of the Russian Communist Party it is further pointed out that the main task of the labor unions at the pre^sent time is to keep in touch with the masses. Just as the beat factory, with an excellent motor and first- class machinery, will be unable to work, if the transmission gearing from the motor to the machin- ery is out of order, so there would inevitably ensue a catastrophe in the socialist construction work that is being conducted by Soviet Russia, if there were any defect in the construction and the func- tioning of the transmission gearing from the Com- munist Party, the advance guard of the working class ruling a great country that has effected its transition to socialism — to the masses. The labor unions are this transmission gearing. In one of its latest issues, Pravda published the results of an inquiry which it had made among the prominent leaders of the Russian labor unions concerning the new tasks of those bodies: the People's Commissar of Labor, Schmidt, and the General Secretaries of the Central Council of the Labor Unions, Rudzutak and Tomsky. They all declare that the new program for the activities of the labor unions is quite timely and sound. Only under such conditions will the labor unions be able to work now. The putting into effect of the new program will contribute to a speedy strength- ening of the labor union movement and to a con- scious attitude of the working masses towards the constructive activity of the state. The resolution of the Central Committee imposes concrete in- structions and gives definite content to the activities of the tmions. They show how they may unite the labor masses into one organism, thus con- tributing to the increase of production and to a successful development of the economic life of the country. The labor unions, which play a role of prime importance in the life of Soviet Russia, will also, under the new economic policy, remain one of the principal facton in the country's constructive ac- tivities. The transformation of the labor anions which has begun, in accordance with their new tasks, is a guarantee that under the new economic policy also, the labor unions will play the great role which was assigned them by history in the construction work of the world's first proletarian state. —Novy Mir, Berlin. "HE SURVIVED THREE TSARS" By A. Sergeyev Among the incidents at the Congress there wwe a number that impressed one as symbolic pictures of the workers' and peasants' revolution. This is true, for instance, of a number of speeches that came from the mouths of plain men. Their very appearance on the platform gave rise to such en- thusiasm that the walls of the Great Theatre re- sounded with applause and shouts of delight. For example, there appears behind the footlights an old man in a sheepskin coat, the Non-Partisan peasant Chulkov, who has been elected to the Pres- idium of the Congress. The old man's figure is somewhat bent, and presents that typical century- long stoop of the peasantry, which is the dis- tinguishing mark of our old peasante, a veritable stamp of servitude. Chulkov speaks in a trembling, sometimes broken voice, somewhat subdued by age and by the "bony hand of hunger," which obvious- ly is sapping his life. And what does he say? "I have seen three tsars and outlived them: the Tsar 'Liberator,' the Tsar 'Peacemaker,' and the Tsar 'Rum-dealer!'" A storm of applause follows upon these words. **You may ask why I speak with so little re- spect for the tsars. What else can I say? Under all these three tsars I sat behind the stove and now I have been brought out and put in another place. And do you know where? Here, right here!" With an imposing gesture of old age, the old man indicates the hall resplendent in light, purple, and gold, the great mass of the delegates, the Pres- idium, the walls, and the ceiling, which is adorned with allegorical figures. He continues amid a storm of ovation, still speaking in the same hesitating voice. "Yes — And so it came about that we are now building up a new life— All this has come about!" The "bony hand of hunger," interrupts his en- thusiastic speech on the dream of the peasants, "of the golden grain," the dream of contentment 'that has been brought to him in his old age by the new Soviet laws on the tax in kind, on the utilization of die soil, and other matters. He again encounters difficulty, but regains his calm and continues, hard- ly audible: "And so it came about that we are now building a new life. All this has come about!" Do you hear this, Messrs. Ryabushinsky & Co., who have been placing your hopes on the "Tjony hand of hunger"? "So it came about that we are building a new life. All this has come about!" Digitized by Google 176 SOVIET RUSSIA April 1, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA Official Obcaf of THE FRIENDS OF SOVIET RUSSIA Publiihed SemirMauthly 110 We«l 40th Street, New York, N. T. D«?9t«d to •pTMdinff iofonDatioa aboat , — iMflli« pupoM of Uformliif Amexleaa tmiitn od tho laatitvtloM iBd coodidoiu In tlut MMuitrr* »o that they may tml iho BocoMlty of hooding orery dfort to 6^t tho faalao ttoi thnatona to doMroy tho Rorolntion and Ita aakioTMBonta. OFnCERS OF THE FRIENDS OF SOTIKT RUMBA Alloa 8. Brona laa. P. Cannon Dr. 1. WilenUn Dr. Wb. MondolooB Wb. I. Foator IlBor T. AlUaon Lodwlc Lore Xdfar Owena Max Eaataan Ptof. H. W. L. Dana Margnexlte Prerey Jay C ~ Caleh Hanlaon Dr. Leo 8. ftilahel Dr. J. W. Hartaann. Trtmrm A. B. liaxtln* JTofl JaareMrf Reee Paator 8tok«o Hnlet M. Wella Wm. F. Donne J. Lonia Engdahl Dennia E. Batt AUee Blffa Hunt Capt. Pazton EObben Charlea Baker J. O Bohort Mlaev Jaek Carney Mary Heatoa T«ae Ella Beere Bloer AlhertBhyaWilUaaM EUaaheth C. Flynn The front cover of this issue is an original drawing by Robert Minor. The first page of next issue will be a new Russian Soviet poster, on a subject not connecud with the Famine situation. TN our last issue we printed an extensive and "■■ interesting correspondence between Herbert Hoover, Secretary of Conunerce of the United States, and Paxton Hibben, formerly a member of the Near East Relief. Not the least important of the remarks of Captain Hibben were those he made on the subject of railway transportation in Southern Russia. Captain Hibben's view is that the railways running inland from the ice-free ports on the Black Sea, when supplemented by the enormous river fleet that will begin to operate in the Spring on the great navigable rivers, will be able to handle a volume of food shipments far in excess of that admitted as feasible by Mr. Hoover, and probably not far short of 20,000 tons of food per day. Captain Hibben is not unacquainted with the con- ditions prevailing along these railroads; his jour- ney into Russia last August carried him over thous- sands of miles of Russian lines (as described in the Report of the Near East Relief Commission, published by the Friends of Soviet Russia) and brought him into personal contact with many important officials of the railroad and water trans- portation systems. If you have not yet read Captain Hibben's remarks on this subject, look into the last issue of Soviet Russu and get the actual figures. * * * ^HIS is not the first time in the history of the ^ Russian Revolution that much interest has heea shovm by foreign officials in the efficiency of die Russian railroad system. But the reading public quickly forgets the literature it has read on Russia, owing to the rapidity with which new books are being thrown upon the market One of the most interesting little things written in the field of personal observation of Russian conditions was the Bullitt Mission to Russia (Testimony be- fore the Committee on Foreign Relations, United States Senate, of William C. Bullitt, New York: B. W. Huebsch, 1919, 151 pages). On rereading this pamphlet, a lot of things are brought back to mind that are interesting in the present connection. It will be recalled diat Uiere was danger of famine in Russia in die winter of 1918-19, and that a number of humane and decent souls, like Fridtjof Nansen, as well as a number of less humane and less decent politicians, who shall be nameless, were beginning to interest themselves in Famine Relief. Already then the question came up of aiding the Russians in rebuilaing their disorganized railroad system, but of course nothing came of it, and whatever increased efficiency the Russian railroads have since acquired has beem due entirely to actual purchases of locomotives abroad by the Rus- sian Soviet Government, as well as to the heroic efforts of the railway workers and others. Those who were interested in Famine Relief and in the results to be achieved through such relief were under the impression that it might be possible for an Allied Commission to take over the Russian railroads and run them for the Russian Soviet Government, with the understanding that relief shipments should have prirority over all other transportation. On February 21, 1919, Mr. Bullitt, then with the American Peace Commission at Paris, received a letter signed by P. H. Kerr, of the British Delegation, enclosing a statement of the conditions under which "I personally think it would be pos- sible for the allied governments to resume once more normal relations with Soviet Russia.'* While railroads were mentioned, it was not suggested to take over lines inside Soviet Russia. In Mr. Bullitt's testimony before the Senate Com- mittee there follow interesting discussions concern- ing the development of the formulation of the terms under which assistance was to be extended to Russia, as Mr. Bullitt finally submitted them to Lenin in the Spring of 1919. One very interesting document was the Auchincloss-Miller Proposal ("Draft of proposed letter to be signed by Presi- dent Wilson and the prime ministers of Great Britain, France, and Italy in reply to Mr. Nansen's letter"). It is interesting for a paragraph occur- ring about the middle of it (page 81 of the Huebsch report), which we quote in full: The difficulties of transport in Russia can in large degree only be overcome in Russia itself. So far as possible, we would endeavor to provide increased means of transportation; but we would consider it essential in any such scheme of relief that control of transportation in Russia, so far as was necessary in the distribution of relief supplies, should be placed wholly under such a conmiission as is described in your letter and should te the necessary extent be freed from any govommsAtal or private control whatsoever." It so happens that Mr. Nansen's letter (page 74) Digitized by Google April 1, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA 177 had mentioned a commission, to consist of repre- sentatives of the small neutral countries, but Mr. Nansen had said not a word about giving this com- mission any control of railroads, in spite of the fact that the delicate diplomatic wording of the Auchincloss-Miller Proposal was calculated to be tacitly accepted by Mr. Nansen as a restatement of his own words. But Mr. Bullitt is not only in- capable of practicing such deceptions: he is also incapable of falling for them, as his courteous ''Memorandum for Mr. Auchincloss" (April 14, 1919, a few days after he received the Auchincloss- Miller Proposal) will show: "Dear Cordon: I have studied carefully the draft of the reply to Dr. Nansen which you have prepared. In spirit and substance your letter differs so radically from the reply which I consider essential that I find it difficult to make any constructive criticism. And I shall refrain from criticizing your rhetoric. "There are two proposals in your letter, however, which are obviously unfair, and will not, I am certain, be accept- ed by the Soviet Government. "1. The life of Russia depends upon its railroads; and your demand for control of transportation by the com- mission can hardly be accepted by the Soviet Government, which knows that plots for the destruction of railroad bridges were hatched in the American consulate in Moscow. You are asking the Soviet Government to put its head in the lion^s mouth. It will not accept. You must moder- ate your phrases. "2. When you speak of the 'cessation of hostilities by Russian troops*, you fail to speak of hostilities by troops of the aUied and associated governments, a number of whom, you may recall, have invaded Russia. Furthermore, your phrase does not cover Finns, Esthonians, Letts, Poles, etc. In addition, you say absolutely nothing about the withdrawal of the troops of the allied and associated Gov- ernments from Russian territory. And, most important, yon fail to say that troops and military supplies will cease to be sent into the territory of the former Russian Empire. You therefore go a long way toward proving Trotsky's thesis: That any armistice will simply be used by the Allies as a period in which to supply tanks, aeroplanes, gas shells, liquid fire, etc., to the various anti-soviet govern- ments. As it stands, your armistice proposal is absolutely unfair, and I am sure that it will not be accepted by the Soviet Government. "Very respectfully yours, "WnxiAM C BuLLrrT." Control of the Russian railroads is a thing that the Soviet Government will never give up. Control of transportation in these days means sovereignty, and no one seriously believes that any of the con- cessions given to foreigners by the Soviet Govern- ment means that the latter wants to relinquish its control of the country's affairs. Mr. Bullitt's obser- vations of three years ago are still valid to-day. # # # A TTEMPTS recently made in propaganda ar- '^^ tides emanating from Washington to discredit Russian relief organizations not connected with the American Relief Administration appear to have had more effect in Europe than in .^erica. And it would appear from the following news item in the Vossische Zeitung, Berlin, February 11, 1922, that Mr. Hoover's publicity matter has assumed a different form in Germany from the form in which it appeared in American newspapers. Here is a translation of the Vossische Zeitung item : "Washington, February 9 {Vossische Zeitung Radio). — The latest attempto of the Bolsheviki to raise a large amount of money in America have led to sensational disclosures. A sharp opposition has arisen between the administration of the officii American relief body for the starving in Russia and an organization that calls itself **The American Committee for Russian Famine RelieP, having its office at Chicago. It is reported that agento of the latter organ- ization appropriated for themselves considerable sums that were intended for the Russian Red Cross, which is under direct control of the Soviet Government. "In order to execute this immense fraud, the letter-heads of various Senators and Governors of the United States were made use of. A number of agents now stationed in America have been exposed by these disclosures, among them Dr. Dubrowsky and Dr. Jacob Hartmann, who was associated with the well-known Bolshevist *Ambassador^ in America, Martens. It has further been ascertained that the above-named Chicago organization developed an ac- tivity that was directly opposed to the official relief work of the United States." The ^^disclosures'* have not been unpleasant in their effect, at least in this coimtry, and we can say for the Friends of Soviet Russia diat the slight- ly altered form of publicity in Germany will not have any influence on our collections. Also, we are glad to be able to state that since these ^^revela- tions", the organizations in question — and again we refer particularly to the Friends of Soviet Russia — have noted a decided increase in the amount of their daily receipts. But there is no doubt that Mr. Hoover's publicity has been more successful in Europe than in America. A RCHIMANDRITE TIKHON, in charge of the -^^ Russian "Embassy'* Church at Berlin, tells of the way some of the Russian emigres in that city are carrying on: **The frivolity to be observed in the Russian emigres is without example in History. This attitude is of the after us the deluge type, of Belshazzar's feasts and other like dissipations. What can be done when they reel from prayer to the public bar and revel at a time of famine? It is what I call feasting amid corpses." (ffovy Mir, Berlin) Surely the representative of the disestablished Russian Orthodox Church, holding an exile pulpit in a land where his fictitious government is no longer recognized, would not exaggerate the fail- ings of his fellow-monarchists. We respectfully suggest that if anything is to be done for the Rus- sian counter-revolutionists who are starving at Con- stantinople, the cost should be defrayed by the coimter-revolutionary revelers of Paris and Berlin, and not out of the pockets of American workers and tax-payers, who would rather see their money go to the workers and peasants inside Russia than to sulkers and idlers who cannot adapt themselves to the world as it is. Those who cannot adapt themselves to the turns of History's wheel must perish. And some there are who would aggravate her wrath by squandering what resources she has left them. If they should hand over these resources to the starving in Russia, they would be laying a foundation for real co- operation with the government of their native coun- try. But the gods make mad whom they would destroy. Digitized by Google 1T8 SOVIET RUSSIA Nikolai Nekrasov (Born November 22, 1821 —Died December 28, 1877) By A. LUNACHARSKT April 1, 1922 (Concluded from last issue of Soviet Russia) NEKRASOV is a declasse in all his mental struc- ture, he dashes into the struggle, he dashes in- to a revolutionary formulation of problems. To be sure, the fact of his noble origin simultaneously cripples his will and fetters him to the temptations of life — for Nekrasov never succeeded in overcom- ing this inclination — it prevented him from becom- ing a fighter. But the fact that in the first fatal skirmishes between the people and the oppressor, he sang only, the fact that he allowed himself immense luxuries, became a corroding internal disease with Nekrasov, and created in his spirit a frightful discord, causing him even on his death bed to writhe and to beg his people for forgive- ness. This trait of self-flagellation for not having taken upon his shoulders ^e heaviest task of self- sacrifice, for yielding easily to earthly pleasures, for the opportunism to which Nekrasov had often been forced, in order to save his periodical from police raids— completes the picture of Nekrasov, For Mirtov's "duty",* which the intelligentsia had assumed, was as heavy as a chain, and not everyone could be a pioneer, not everyone went forth "to die for the great cause of love". And many, many, carried away by the burning preachings of the Narodnikf prophets, being unable to follow them, were filled with remorse and mortified themselves. This was of course the expression of their having been bom at the wrong time. Had the storms of revolution come up, Nekrasov and the little Nekrasovs would all have been carried away and thrown into the struggle, but this storm of revolu- tion merely seethed and then died down, and this encouraged his Vacillation and added to his suffer- ings with the trials of the people his own sufferings, his humiliation for his soul, "born at the wrong time". But in the phenomenon of Nekrasov's repent- ance for his slight transgressions there is contained a tremendous revolutionary ethical force. It would be superfluous to speak here of Nekrasov's poetic creation in general. Too much has already been written on this subject, all of which is a poor substitute for a profound and affectionate acquaintance with all his work; but it is necessary to dwell on one point. With delicate superficiality, aesthetic criticism has produced the current conception that Nekrasov is a poet of no particular gifts, and even Nekrasov speaks of his ♦In hi« "Historical Letters** Peter Layrov who wrote under the pseudonym of Mirtov first raised the question of the "duty** incumbent upon the educated to work for the enlightenment and liberation of the people. t^Narodniks** (from "narod" — people) were called those Russian Socialists of the early seventies who "went to the people** and saw in the Russian genuine peasant "commun- ism** the basis of the socialist transformation of Russia. They were opposed by the Marxians, who preached the fMialarian class struggle muse as severe, of his poems as "clumsy", and even in anniversary articles that I read yesterday and the day before yesterday I found this admis- sion: "His poetic talent was not particularly strong, his form rugged", etc. But Chemyshevsky, dying in the depths of his banishment a slow, painful, psychic death, learn- ing that Nekrasov was dying a physical death, and suffering pangs of conscience on his death bed, sent him through Pipin the following letter: *Tell him that I love him as a man, that I thank him for his kindness to me, that I kiss him, that I am convinced that his fame will be immortal, that Russia's love for him, the poetic genius, the greatest of all Russian poets, is eternal. I mourn him. He was really a man of great nobility of soul, of great mind, and, as a poet, he was of course greater than any Russian poet." Well, you might say this opinion expresses only the spiritual kinship of people of the same gen- eration, of the same camp? Perhaps there is an exaggeration in this statement: "Of course, the most gifted, of course, the greatest". Russian literature counts among its ranks a few men of poetic genius, who are, of course, superior to Nekrasov; but with the exception of this exaggera- tion, the statement by Chemyshevsky is correct When you reread Nekrasov now, as a mature person, who has learned and seen a good deal of life, who has read practically all the great poets of the world, you wonder how people can still speak of Nekrasov as of a great poet of feeble gifts, of imperfections of style. Nekrasov is a civic poet, and it is as a civic poet that he is great. Feeble poets with strong civic feelings may deserve to be respected, but rarely do they create anything useful. First of all, art must be art, i. e., it must, as Tolstoy said, infect others with the spiritual experience of the artist, it must kindle our soul with his spiritual flame. To accomplish this, two things are needed. It is necessary, first of all, that the soul of the artist should burn with a strong flame, that his experience should be greater than ours, that he should be a great man; a man who is not great cannot be a great poet, because he has nothing to infect with, and the apostle Paul was quite right when he said that without love all human tongues are but tinkling cymbals. But note that when I say that a poet must be a great man, I do not mean that he must be such in his private life. Until the poet is called To the sacred service of Apollo, He remains absorbed In all the petty cares of life.t Moreover, "of all God's creatures most clQ^>i0ed he is perhaps the most despicable." ^Pushkin. Digitized by Google April 1, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA in Such he is as a citizen, as Ivan Ivanovich, as AlexandM" Sergeyevich, as Nikolai Alexeycvich. But what is that moment when *'the sensitive ear harkens to the celestial word?^ What is that ''celestial word"? It is a social act When the poet creates, he ceases to be Nikolai Alexeyevich, and becomes the proclaimer of the thoughts, feel- ings, and emotions of vast numbers of men. When the poet creates he knows that he speaks for hundfeds of thousands of men, perhaps for millions, he knows that he is a tribune, that the eyes of his fellow-men, and perhaps of eternity, are upon him. And here is where his social personality triumphs over everything else in him. He is transformed into another being, a better being, for now only pure metal rings in the bell of his soul. And it is this transformed man, this social man, this ''Man", that must be great in order that his personality may become a great poet This is the first condition, and it is admirably fulfilled in Nekrasov. His lyric spirit is intense, embittered, stately, deep. He is a beautiful soul. And besides, those great feelings with which he infects us are feelings which would be most needful to the de- velopment of Russian social life, and which are essential even now, for the problems which confronted the social life of the Russian intellec- tuals and the peasants of the sixties and seventies are still the problems of the social life of the Russian proletariat of the twenties of the present century. But this is not yet sufficient to make a man a ji;reat artist We can conceive of a great soul, full of beautiful passions and radiant thoughts, but incapable of giving them adequate form, holding up, as a dam, the stream that flows from the author^s soul to the soul of the reader. One may be a "Raphael without hands". Nothing of the kind can be said about Nekrasov. His worlu reflect most admirably all his feelings and thoughts. He is intelligible to all, everybody understands him, everybody reads him, all learn him by heart, all sing his poetry, even the scarcely literate peasantry. It is remarkable that Nekrasov never lamented, as did Tiutchev, that "expression makes the thought a lie". The source of Nekrasov's tragedy is quite different. He often laments that his poetry is not sufficiently truthful. In wliat sense? In the sense that his conduct does not come up to the height of his preaching, and not in the sense that his preaching does not reach the height of his intentions. Nekrasov's verse is not sufficiently smooth? But who said that smoothness of form is an essential quality? Who has demonstrated that it is essential to write smooth poetry about the horrors of the life of the people? Do we not demand of the artist's prose that the rhythm should cor- respond to its substance? Is the artist not great whose prose chokes, writhes, and falls, to- gether with the story he is telling, and shouldn't poetry be like that? Must we sugar-coat portrayals of monstrous reality to fit the needs of refined pastels? What nonsense! If Nekrasov's poetry should be more rounded out, more melodious, its effect would be that of a lie. If a man should write of the death of his beloved mother, observing all the rules of syntax and rhetoric, it would seem like monstrous hypocrisy and heartlessness^ .. What Nekrasov thought "clumsy" in his verse was only his "severity". He is clumsy because he is monumental, he is clumsy because he is powerful. And it would be a pity if there should be even one grain less of this clumsiness. But, then, why not prose instead of poetry? Because the highest pathos in which the soul of Nekrasov lived begs to be sung. And here is how good poets may be tested: If a poet's verses cannot be sung, then let him drop poetry and write prose, he might perhaps prove a good prose-writer. Poetry must sing, sing inwardly in your soul, when you read it to yourself; it must create rhythm and melody when you read it aloud; it must call the named and nameless composers to set these works to real music. Is not all this true of Nekrasov? I doubt whether even Pushkin and Lermontov have created as many musical compositions as Nekrasov. Who of the Russian poets is sung more? In what remote village is "Vyd na Volgu" (Come out on the Volga) or the "Pesnya Korobeynikov" (The Song of the Village Vendors), overflowing with joy, not known? But Nekrasov is great not only as a lyrical poet. Nekrasov is also a great delineator of nature. He is an epic poet, he creates types that are un- forgettable. His landscapes are of unsurpassably convincing realism, his pictures of life throb with reality. One need only recall the flight of popular fancy which carries Nekrasov's great poem "King Frost". What boisterous gesture, what dashing breadth, what demonism! In Nekrasov, as in the beautiful Slav maidea whom he depicts in this poem, there lay tremendous possibilities. If once the line escaped his lips: "Struggle hindered me from being a poet", we must say: No. It did not prevent him from being a poet But if he had lived in a happy period, he would have sung happy songs, and then all these superficial critics would realize that in the joyful song, in the song of beauty, love and the joy of life, Nekrasov would prove to be just as great and perhaps even greater. Perhaps even greater, in the sense that his creations would be more bewitch- ing. But he is greater as he is, in that great lesson which he has bequeathed to us. He raised his cries and threats, while weeping and denouncing, to a point of high musical and artistic beauty. It is impossible to exhaust in this brief article even one-tenth of the lessons which Nekrasov has left to us; without for a moment lessening our ad- miration for Pushkin and Lermontov, and the more modest but beautiful memories of Alexey Tolstoy, Tiutchev, Fet and Koltsov, etc., we must say: There is not another man in all our Russian liter- ature before whom we bow with greater love am4 reverence than before the memory of Nekrasov. Digitized by Google 180 SOVIET RUSSIA April 1, 1922 The Russian State Bank By Au L. Sheinman (The notions held abroad on the subject of the State Bank of Soviet Russia, which began its operations about three months ago, are rather confused. In order to obtctin correct information on the character of its organization and activity^ a representative of **Novy Afir", Berlin, visited the Chair- man of the Board of Directors of the State Bank, A, L. Sheinman, who was stopping in Berlin for a time. Mr. Sheinman answered all his questions. The conversational note in some of the remarks reprinted below is due to the fact that we are giving the mterview as it originally appeared in **Novy Mir'^ more than a month ago.) npHE Russian State Bank differs from the central •*- or state banks of other countries in the fact that issuing currency does not form part of its activities. Under present conditions, especially in countries with a low rate of exchange, banks of issue do not serve the commercial and industrial needs of the state. When issuing currency, these banks are guided not by the needs of money cir- culation but by the requirements of paper money by the national treasury. Such issuing of currency, although it is officially guaranteed by the national treasury, is nothing else but a concealed loan, which the government raises from the population, or, more than that, it is a concealed tax imposed upon the population. At the time of the Revolution, when die banks were abolished, the issuing of currency passed immediately to the People's Com- missariat of Finances. And at the present time, tmtil the general problems of money circulation are solved, and the fate of the already issued money notes determined, there is not the slightest reason for transferring the issuance of currency from the management of the Commissariat of Finances to the State BanL The Soviet Government does openly what other governments do surreptitiously. It covers its deficit by issuing money without attempt- ing to persuade anybody that this currency behind it any other guarantee than the respons- ibility of the state. The year 1922 is the first year of the Revolution for which a budget was established in the Soviet Republic, and in which an important part of this budget was computed in the form of revenues. Of course it cannot be expected that in the very first year it will be possible to cover all expenses by revenues. But a very important change is involved in the mere fact that only a certain part of the government expenditures and not all of them will be covered by new issues of currency. Naturally, such a change will require an important reduction of expenses and extraordinary sacrifices on the part of the state and the government.* But it was decided to make these sacrifices and the last Con- gress of Soviets confirmed the budget for 1922, which provides that more than two-thirds of the expenditures are to be covered by revenues. Thus the influence of the Russian State Bank upon the money circulation of the country is subject to the same restrictions as that of a com- mercial-industrial bank. But in spite of this limita- tion, its influence is still very important and may (in fact, it has already begun to) exert a very material influence on the entire realm of money circulation. It must not be forgotten that in the course of the last few years the country has been completely deprived of all the technical apparatus and methods facilitating money circulation, which are one of the features of bank technique. Suffice it to say that when it was necessary to transmit money from one city to another, this operation could be safely executed only by literally trans- porting the money itself. Thus the organization of even such a simple banking operation as the remitting of money materially influences circula- tion. It is sufficient to point out that on January 10, 1922, i. e., at a time when the State Bank had been in operation less than two months, it already had a revenue of more than 2,200,000,000 rubles from commissions paid on money remittances. The gradual development of check circulation also in- fluences the circulation of money. The main task of the State Bank is commercial and industrial in character. In the realm of industry, the clients of the State Bank are divided into three categories: state indus- try, cooperative industry, and private industry. Among the industrial enterprise of the state only those can be fully clients of the State Bank which are not supplied by the state, i. e., enterprises which receive from the government neither money nor materials, and are conducted for private profit. In advancing money to its industrial clients, the State Bank carefully studies their industrial and financial plans, and only if it is convinced that these plans and programs are sound and may be realizeid under present conditions, the loans are granted. This refers to short term loans not ex- ceeding more than nine months. In the same way loans are also granted to establishments of agri- cultural character. The problem of granting credits at a time when the rate of exchange is falling is in general ex- tremely complicated and difficult to solve, and the solution of this problem can by no means be found in abstract theoretical investigations. It can be solved only by practical experience. In the beginning the State Bank restricted itself to the following: in order to safeguard it against possible and probable losses connected with die continuous devaluation of money, a comparatively high interest rate was fixed on money lent out. Thus, at the present time, the interest rate has been fixed at from 8 to 12 per cent per month. Up to the present there have been no complaints on the part Digitized by Google April 1, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA 181 of the clients that this rate is exorbitant. If we take into consideration the fact that the national budget is drawn up in gold rubles, and that pay- ments on the budget are e£Feoted in paper rubles at a rate which changes every month, established according to the relation existing between the value of the notes and the goods, and that thus the wages of the employees and the workers also vary with these conditions, there is nothing asto- nishing in the practice adopted by the State Bank for calculating the rate of interest. It is to be expected that as soon as the new financial policy of the government will bring favorable results, the rate of exchange of the ruble \rill begin to stabilize. The interest policy of the State Bank will be gradually changed until it reaches a so- called normal level. As for the granting of credits to industry and agriculture, there are unfortunately still more seri- ous obstacles. I am thinking of the circumstance that Russian industry and agriculture at present are in need of long term credits. Even leaving aside the fact that the granting of such credits is made difficult by the absence of those material resources in our country which are necessary for the complete restoration of industry and agricul- ture, the solution of this problem also presents great difficulties from the point of view of financial and bank technique. At the present time this question is being made the subject of careful study and immediate steps for its solution have already been taken. The problem you mention, of a general reform of money circulation and a transition to metal circulation, is a problem not only in Russia but all over the whole world, and especially in coun- tries near Russia. I must declare frankly that if this problem is being solved in other cotmtries, its solution will meet with still less difficulty in Russia, for, owing to the tremendous devaluation of our currency, the metal fund necessary for with- drawing it from circulation and for organizing a metal circulation is very small when compared with the world supply of metal and the needs of our neighbors. The exchange operations of the State Bank could of course not assume large proportions up to the present. In the beginning these operations were limited to the purchase of foreign currency for ef- fecting money remittances to Russia. Our exchange activities have not as yet had the necessary basis in the form of commercial relations with foreign countries. So long as all sums obtained from ex- port went to the credit of the treasury, and so long as all expenditures for import were charged to the debit of the treasury, the necessary conditions for the development of the foreign operations of the State Bank did not exist. But in connection with the new economic policy, under which a large num- ber of enterprises which ceased to be supplied by the state, acquired the right to sell their pro- ducts abroad for the satisfaction of their own needs, also assuming the obligation to satisfy their own needs in foreign goods on their own account, there also begins to appear a field for the foreign activity of the State Bank. This field is being extended every day. The cooperatives serving the needs of the population will also have to conduct — they are already beginning to do so — ^their ovm importing operations for their own account. In addition to this it must be mentioned that even those enterprises which are still supplied by the State have at their disposal certain funds which they may apply at their own discretion. Besides, there is now a great number of branches of trade and industry in which private initiative has found a field to develop. With a view to satisfying all the tremendous needs mentioned above, the State Bank is now about to undertake an emphatic ex- pansion of its foreign operations. I understand the dissatisfaction which some circles are trying to provoke abroad by pointing out that the rate of exchange established by the State Bank for foreign currency does not correspond to the real prices. It must be explained that we are here dealing with one of the old schemes directed against the measures taken by the Soviet Government and aiming at perverting the meaning of these measures. From what I said ^ove it is clear that at present there does not yet exist in our country a legitimate, economically grotmded supply and demand of foreign currency, whereby its rate could be regulated. Under present condi- tions, foreign currency is only an opportunity for speculative investment of Russian paper money, and it is a matter of course that all those gentle- men who in facile and shady ways have acquired great amounts of Russian currency, will not stop at any price as long as they may well invest their loot. But they nevertheless cannot avail themselves of large quantities of foreign currency and for this reason, as soon as a big transaction appears, it is of necessity effected through the State Bank at the official rate established by it. You ask what is taken as a basis of the official rate of exchange. The basis is the relation of the prices for the most important articles of con- sumption within the country to the prices for the same articles on the most important foreign markets. After this question had for a long time been carefully studied by prominent Russian eco- nomists, we selected this method. In order to illustrate more clearly that the prices of the so- called free market are based absolutely on no foundation, I will show that only on this market are such fluctuations possible. At the end of December, these prices, owing to the lack of a fresh influx of Russian currency, dropped fifty per cent As to the question of trade in shares of the nationalized enterprises, I first came across it in Berlin. I still think that your information that important German banks and prominent German financiers are buying up these shares is not trust- worthy. I simply cannot believe that they could be so badly informed on affairs and reactions of Digitized by Google 181 SOVIET RUSSIA AprU 1, 1922 feeling in Russia that they would venture to invest their money in worthless paper. Those persons who are knocking at all aoors in Berlin to sell their shares, do not really believe that the enter- prises may be returned to their former owners. For this is essentially impossible. In the course of more than four years, in connection with the many evacuations, crises, reorganizations, etc., the property of one enterprise was transferred to an- other, and perhaps again transferred several times, the raw materials of many similar enterprises were concentrated in a single one not to speak of the fact that many enterprises were regrouped for completely different purposes. Only persons who have spent these four years abroad, living on their dreams of restoring the old days, can be so blinded as not to see what has happened. Moreover, I think that these gentlemen who are trying to sell their shares to foreigners, are not only endeavoring to get money for nothing, but mainly aim to drag foreigners into unprofitable ventures and thus to put obstacles to their future agreement with the only and legitimate owner of all the nationalized enterprises, i. e., the Soviet Government. The initial capital of the State Bank is the two billions in paper rubles which it received from the Government. Owing to the absence of free operating capital, this capital is of course not sufficient to enable the State Bank to work out all the great tasks imposed upon it For this reason, in the budget for 1922 there was provided a loan to the State Bank to the extent of fifteen million gold rubles. I have every reason to suppose that the State will not refuse to continue to subsidize the treasury of the State Bank. It is understood that the State Bank will have to prove to the Government that the capital received by it has been wisely invested, and that its activity is directed towards helping industry, agriculture and com- merce. The Bank has not received any metal funds from the State, but it has taken steps to obtain from the population the sums held by it. This operation is proceeding quite successfully, and if my memory does not deceive me, I may say that in our vaults there is already one million gold rubles. Of course as soon as a system of loci organizations has been developed and when there is at least one branch of the State Bank in every provincial capital, these operations as well as many others will be of much greater proportions. On the subject of the administrative side of the State Bank, such as the organization of bookkeep- ing and accounting, etc., I must say, without any intention to eulogize the establishment placed under my management, that this phase has been well organized, and I suggest to everybody who wants to get acquainted with the ways in which our work is done to follow its progress. Suffice it to say that regularly, twice a month, we print reports of our financial situation and that every morning I have a report of the turnover of the preceding day. Of course there is an experienced banking man at Ae head of each department I am very much satisfied with my journey to Berlin, but I am sorry that instead of one week I had to stay away from Moscow for two weeks, but this is compensated by the fact that in addition to German affairs, I have also, during my sojourn in Berlin, been doing some business with America. Thus, I have already signed an agreement concern- ing correspondence relations with the Equitable Trust Company, of New York, and negotiations with other American, French and Swiss banks are nearing their conclusion. Thus, at the present moment, the Russian State Bank already haa con- nections with all other countries. THE CABBAGE SOUP By Ivan Turceniev. An old widow had lost her only son, a young man of twenty, the best worker in the village. The landed proprietress, owner of the village, heard of the old woman's misery and came to visit hsr on the day of the funeral. She found her at home. In the middle of the room, standing at the table, she was ladling out, with a slow mechanical move- ment of the right hand (her left hung lifeless by her side), a thin cabbage soup out of a smoke blackened pot, and was gulping one spoonful after another. The old woman's face was wan and sad, her eyes red and swollen; but she boreherself erect, as if she were in church. "Lord in Heaven!" thought the merciful lady of herself, "at such a moment she is still able to eat What coarse feelings these wretches have!** An the gentle lady recalled how she herself, a few years ago, after having lost a little daughter of nine months, had renounced in her sorrow the pleasure of renting a splendid bungalow not far from Petrograd — and had spent all the Sununer in the city — ^and the old woman, on the other hand, was simply gulping down her cabbage soup. Finally the gentle lady lost patience. — Tatyana!" she cried out, "but this is monstrous! — I cannot understand you! Have you not loved your son? Has that not been enough to make you lose your appetite? How is it possible for you to eat cab- bage soup!** "My Vasya is dead,** replied the old woman gently, and again bitter tears flowed over her sunken cheeks. "And I am nearing my end too: it is as if my head had been torn from my body. But I cannot let the cabbage soup go to waste; the cab- bage soup is salted." The gentle lady shrugged her shoulders and departed. Salt was cheap for her. DEBATERS! Are you preparing to meet your opponents oa the subject of Recognition for Soviet Russia? Buy the Bound Volumes of this paper: Vol. Ill, five dollars; Volume IV, four dollars; VoL V, three dollarm. _Digitized by Google April 1. 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA 18S (( R a s s e y a 55 By L. SosNOvsKY The following account of actual happpenings in provincial Russian communities is taken from a recent issue of "Pravda'\ **Rasseya" is the illiterate peasant way of pronouncing and writing '*Rossiya'* — Russia. <l l0ka Barccvieh, LUt 5421, E. Chicago. Ind 30.00 409S F. S. IL Branch, PumJc. N. J. 1S.00 40M RsMian Sec, F.S.K.. N. Y. C. 258.59 40f7 €oU. U. M. W. of A., No. 1286, StewartiTille, 66.50 4018 Chat. Shattokaa, San Fernando. Cal 2^ 4059 F. S. R. Branch. N. Y. C .... 249.17 4060 F. S. R. Branch. Grand Rapid*, Mich 400.57 4001 F. S. R. Branch. Vancouver, B. C. Can 247.50 406S P. Unowitch. U%\ 14129. Her- tick. 47.10 40O CoU. Mra. E. Koukly d B. At- fiewica. Detroit. Mich 24.50 4064 N. BaAura. Nor«ricb. Cann. .. 17.30 4065 F.S.R. Branch, nluth. Minn... 16.20 4066 F.S.R. Br. Maaon City. Iowa.. 6.50 4067 W. L. F. SUeich. Milwaukee. Wi»c 2.50 4068 Dora NeUun. Creen&eld. Mate. 1.00 4069 F.S.R. Br. ChicaKO. Ill 1000.00 4070 Co-operative Temperance Cafe "Idrou". Chicaeo. HI 300.00 4071 F.S.R. Br.. Duluth. Minn 150.00 4072 F.S.R. Br.. Rocheater. N. Y... 150.00 4073 F.S.R. Br.. Minneapolie. Minn. 94.00 4074 Mary C. Tra.k. N. Y. C .... 25.00 4075 F.S.R. Br., Hartford. Conn. .. 22.00 4076 Zeliaa Reefer. Kan»at City. Mo. 20.00 4077 Theo. Peierton, Rockford. III. 10.00 40TB W.S. & D.B.F., Br. 225. Colum- hue, 7.00 4079 F. 8. R. Branch. Wilniin«t>n. Del 5.00 4000 C. C. Mlgllaccio, N. Y. C 5.00 4081 CN. Morgan. Eliubeth. N. J. 5.00 4082 Mra. Lorenao Webber. Portlaad, Mich 5.00 4063 Dr. A. R. Melniroff. Phiia., Pa. 5.00 4084 Nuas Broe.. W. Homeatead. P« 5.00 4065 Montagne Palraer. Tenafly. N.J. 10.00 4086 F.S.R. Br. Superior. Wi»c. .. 120.00 4067 Finn. Sociallet Br.. Banga. Mich 25.00 4068 F.S.R. Br. San Francisco. Cal. 60.00 4089 F.S.R. Br. Stamford, Conn. ... 128.10 4090 Uth. Workers Literary Soc. Br. 12. Pittaton, Pa 22.00 4091 1. K. Ceorgieir. Chilco. Idahs 5.00 4092 D. K. Ceorgieir. Chilco. Idaho 5.00 4093 S. N. Kialdjieff. Chilco, Idaho 5.00 4094 Friends. Crystal Springs. Fla. 12.00 4095 G. Markua. Oakland. Cal 10.00 4096 Lonia Crokaerta. Downey, P. 0.. C«L 10.00 4097 M. Kohosoff. N. Y. C 10.00 4098 Mr. k Mn. A. A. Sather, Jef. feraon Qty. Mo. 10.00 4099 T. Sknsnichenko. Detroit, Mich. 10.00 4100 C P. Foster. Buffalo, N. Y... S.OO 4101 J. A. Schmidt. Buffalo N. T. 5.00 4102 Owen Cattell. N. Y. C S.00 4103 I. Citaan. Philadelphia, Ps 5.00 4104 H. H. Sweetland. Brush. Colo. 5.00 4105 Mra. 5. Olson. Wanron. Pa S.OO 4106 C.S. Olinger. Birmingham, AU. 5.00 4107 I. Franklin. Mffwaukee. Wiac... 5.00 4108 F. H. Hagerman. Cinsinnatti. O. 5.00 4109 I. H. Williams. Greenaburg. Pa. S.OO 4110 Rev. L. 1. Andenon. Bklyo, N. Y 125.5S 4111 F. Waechtler. Yananda. Mont... 5.00 4112 Ed. Hugeta. New York Oly.... 8.00 4113 Veit Knutdedet. New Baden, ni S.00 4114 Jas. R. Walker. Rnskln. Fla. .. 2.00 4115 A.M.W. Pennypacker. Phila., Pa. 1.00 4116 Chaa. Kunts. IseUn. N. 1 25.00 4117 Dr. N. Dubroff. Haselton. Pa. 29.25 4118 Franeo Belgian Propaganda Qub. Lawranoe, Masa. 140140 •l«0 Lithuanian F. S. R., Worceatar. Mass 63.80 4Hi F.S.R. Br. Bayonne. N. J 32.25 Rec. No. Contributor* dmcmmt 4121 Russian Sec. FSR. N. Y. C... 69.76 4122 F.S.R. Br. Salt Uke City. Utah 33.75 4123 XII Dist. Uth. Am. Wka. Lit. Assn.. Pittston, Pa 12.44 4124 A. H. Lampe. Breckenridge, Colo 1.00 4125 F.S.R. Branch. Boaton. Masa... 300.00 4126 W. C. Cmbe. OakUnd, Cal. .. 20.00 4127 Mary Wilson. N. Y. C 10.00 4128 Mark Merwin, Bklyn. N. Y. .. 10.00 4129 Watta & Church. Pittabnrg. Kans 10.00 4130 Isabel Martin. Chico, Cal 10.00 4131 L. J. PeUn. Salt Uke Qty. Uuh 8.00 4132 Adolph Schwarti. N. Y. C .... 5.00 4133 F. Fredrickaon. Finlayson, Minn. 5.00 4134 I. Kettola. Finlayson. Minn... 5.00 4135 A. & A. Mencke. Cleveland. O. 7.00 4136 L. Paulcer. Alice Arm, B. C, Canada 2.00 4137 S. E. Coble. Huntington. Ind.. 2.00 4138 C. A. Kaley. HunUngton. Ind.. 2.00 4139 W. J. Conarty. Huntington. Ind. 2.00 4140 J. Merkl, Abiu Springs. La 1.50 4141 Mra. L. Lagarde. New Orieana. U 1.00 4142 Ole Hove. Templeton. Cal 1.00 4143 I. Putnam. Templeton. Cal.... 1.00 4144 F. S. R. Branch. Newark. N. J. 500.00 4145 R. & L. Sandera. N.Y.C. 2-$S War Savings Sumps 4146 F. S. R. Branch, Oeveland, O. 885.57 4147 Coll. by Bert Sharp. Liberty Centre, Ohio 25.05 4148 Coll. by L. J. Peanlrek, W. Park, Ohio 17.50 4149 F. S. R. Br.. Maynard. Mass. 15.50 4150 F. S. R. Br.. Buffalo. N. Y. 13.75 4151 Coll. by G. Peari. Eureka. Cal. 10.50 4152 Coll. by R. C. Holbrook. New Kamilche, Wash 4.50 4153 R. Baldwin. Oswego. Mont 2.50 4154 Irl. Shaw. Emmett. Idaho 2.50 4155 F. S. R. Br. Vancouver. Can. 489.59 4156 Mra. T. C. Hawley. Lodi. Cal. 3.70 4157 J. Mavrin. Lbt 15628. Chisholm, Minn 119.00 4158 Dr. L. Eloeoaer. San Frandaco. Cal 100.00 4159 F. S. R. Branch, Quincy. Masa. 100.00 4160 C. C. Barth. Phila.. Pa 50.00 4161 C. M. Bumham. N. Y. C 15.00 4162 C. J. Markaon. Phila.. Pa 10.00 4163 Altenburg Piano House, Elia.. N. J 10.00 4164 L. Balsam. Detroit, Mich.... 10.00 4165 H. H. Levine. Warren. Ohio.. 10.00 4166 Caaper Leuthold. Milwaukee. Ore 4.00 4167 H. Oberholrer, Clackamas. Ore. 5.00 4168 J. E. W4^er. Milwaukee. Ore. 1.00 4169 A. J. Libeit. Newark. N. J.... 5.00 4170 M. Michailovsky, Sooth River. N. J 5.00 4171 A Friend of the Caoae, Modaato, California 5.00 4172 Mra.Lola Barnes. Richmond. Cal. 5.00 4173 A. H. Wattera, New Caatle, Pa. 5.00 4174 Gregory PoUoek. Bklyn. N. Y. S.OO 4175 Adolf Fergin. Detroit. Mich.. 5.00 4176 L. F. Hill. Alexandria. Va.... 5.00 4177 1. A. Jobanaon. Tacoma. Waah. 5.00 4178 Witt Bswden, Phila., Pa 5.00 4179 Y. S. Lawpe. Denver. Colo 2.00 4180 Patrick Keams. Buffalo. N. Y. 1.00 4181 F. S. Lowe. Tucson. Aria. 1.00 4182 Fred Bippert, Buffalo. N. Y. S.OO 4183 F. S. R. Br.. Rochester. N. Y. 150.00 4184 F. S. R. Br., Yonkera. N. Y. 100.00 4185 Workera' Party. Pittsburgh. Pa. 25.00 4186 1. Lowenfeld. N. Y. City.... 25.00 4187 M. A. Heyman. N. Y. Qty.. 25.00 4188 Mra. F. W. Reed. Cambridge. Maas. 20.00 4189 WilUrd Reed, Jr.. Cambridge. Maaa 5.00 4190 Dr. I. Glasaman. New York Qty 90.00 4191 P. WhiUng. Iowa Qty, Iowa 15.00 Jtac N9. Contributors Amount 4192 N. Vowneaky, Pittabnrg, Pa.... 10.00 4193 H. A C. EnnUfi Lyona. N. Y. 10.08 4194 A. S. Boyd. N. Y. Qly 10.00 4195 A. Waabauer. Rockford, 111 lO.Ot 4196 Ed. Robinson. Perry. Okla.... 10.00 4197 E. C. Needham. Wash.. D. C. 10.00 4196 Mra. C. E. Yerge. Loa Angeles. Cal 10.00 4199 C. P. Pafort. N. Y. City 10.06 4200 B. F. Mizoo. Elkhart. Tex 10.00 4201 W. Reber. New York Qty.... 5.00 4202 R. H. Heller. New York Qty 4.00 4203 J. N. DeTemple. Sierra Modre. Cal 5.00 4204 £. Matuais, Pbila.. Pa 3.00 4205 Dr. W. Van Nctte, Clyde. Ohio 2.00 4206 F. S. R. Br.. Danville. Ill 2.00 4107 P. L. Werth. Frankfort. So. D. 1.00 4208 R. Wight. Danbory. Ohio 1.00 4209 CoU. Open Court Forum. Bklyn. N. Y 25.00 4210 1. M. Kahn. N. Y. City 2.00 4211 Ed. Wilharm. Phila.. Pa.... 2.00 4212 I. Soughan. Ft. Wayne. lud.. 2.00 4213 Asworth. New York Qty.... 5.00 4214 A. Chorover, New York Qty.. S.00 4315 A. E. Johnson. Grand Rapids. Mich l.0« 4216 I. Ceriicky. Cleveland, Obi).. 1.00 4217 B. M. Parclhoff. N. Y. City.. 2.00 4218 Rose Parelhoff. New York Qty 2.00 4219 Elinor Parelboff, New York Qty 2.00 4220 D. Olson. Dultith. Minn 2.00 4221 Sara Villas. New York Citj.. 2.00 4222 S. Jackson, Flourtown. Pa 1.00 4223 Coll. by Mallen. Bklyn. N. Y. 111.00 4224 J. Wfdk. Edwardsville, Pa.... 2.00 4225 R. B. Hayes. Redding. Cal.... 1.00 4226 Russian Educ. School, Bayonne, N. J 200.00 4227 M. Vanausdall. Berkeley Reighta. N. J 8.00 4228 Miss McDonald. N. Y. Qty.. .50 4229 N. T. Herbst. Bklvn. N. Y 5.00 4230 Donna Todd. Selma. Cal 5.00 4231 R. H. Hayea. Redding. Cal.... 1.00 4232 M. C. Dean. Muscatine. Iowa.... 1.00 4233 John Penvern. N. Y. Qty.... S.OO 4234 J. Beriinblur. New York Qty 15.00 4235 M. E. Broughton. Phila.. Pa. 5.00 4236 Yam Modrelewski. Brid^port, Conn 2.00 4237 H. B. Windena. Forsyth. Mont. 2.00 4238 L. T. Matson. Cleveland. Ohio 2.00 4239 Emil Kern. Irvington. N. J... 2.00 4240 Anonymous. Waukegan. HI.... 1.00 4241 Wm. Brown. Belvidere. N. Y. 10.00 4242 G. 0. Lindauer. Seattle. Waah. 10.00 4243 Mra. G. Wilson. PortUnd. Ore. 10.00 4244 G. E. Br3wn. Amherat. Maaa. 5.00 4245 R. J. Alport. Buffalo. N. Y. 5.00 4246 G. Lipinski. Jersey City. NJ. 5.00 4247 Ben. Smith. Chariotte. N. C. S.OO 4248 Dan Jerick. Eureka. Cal 5.00 4249 R. De Cunto. E. Boaton. Masa. S.OO 4250 J. Creidcnberg. N. Y. aty.... S.OO 4251 S. Lindstrand. Chicago, HI.... 5.00 4252 Russian See. FSR. N. Y. Qty 815.25 4253 H. A. Dolge. DolgeviUe, N. Y. S.00 4254 Robt. Melville. Bonner. Mont. S.OO 4255 F. E. Smith, W. Roxbnry, Masa. 5.00 4256 A. N. Davis. BrookUne, Maa. 5.00 4257 K. A. Cheyney. Phila. Pa..... 5.00 4258 Leo Hanan, N. Y. Qty 5.00 4259 J. Padolsky. Dorchester, Maas. 5.00 4260 A Friend. Hamilton. Msnt..... 3.00 4261 H. Roenne. Ithaca. N. Y I.OO 4262 A..W. of A. for Ribboa Workera, New York City 67.55 496S CoU. of Finnish Gronp, Boar CrMk, Mont. 55.50 4264 F.S.R. Br.. IntemaUoaal Falla. Minn 51.16 4265 F.S.R. Br., International Palla. Minn 34.25 4266 F.S.R. Br., Holvoke. Mass.... 33.13 4267 Geo. Laafelt. WUton. Cal JO 4268 H. WUlmaa. Couir Daleno. Ida. 3.75 4269 Robt. Lntgo. Napa« Cal 2.90 Digitized by Google April 1, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA 191 /t«c Jfo. CoM$ribui0rM 427t 4271 4272 4273 4274 4275 4276 4277 4278 4279 4280 4281 4282 4285 4284 4285 4286 4287 4388 4189 4290 4291 4291 429S 4294 4295 4196 4297 4296 4301 4SQ8 4306 4307 4808 4309 4310 4811 4311 ttlS 4314 ttlS 4316 4317 4318 4319 4320 4331 43SS 4328 4324 4325 4326 4317 4S28 4329 4330 4331 4331 4333 4334 4335 4336 4337 4338 4339 4340 4341 4341 4343 4347 eis 4349 4350 4851 48St 4358 A. J. CaM. aovU. Cd 22.50 A. Swanton, B«n Lomond, Cal« 3.75 H. Blum. Napa, Cal 2.50 Dr. Louia Long. N. Y. Qty 2.00 D. H. Howell. Quay. FU.... 3.50 r. G. Peterson. Chico, CaL 5.00 C. A. Johoaon. Berkeley. Cal. 2.50 V. I. Baneeakc. Kamloopa. B. C Canada 3.50 G. Bacaulak. Sand Creek. Mont. 2.20 A. Sherman. Boiae. Idaho.... 2.00 Dx. J. S. Charleboia. Boiie. Ida. 2.00 E. Blanchard. Boiae. Idaho.... 1.00 C. A. Worden. Boise, Idaho.. 1.00 S. H. Cautwell, Boiae. Idaho.. 5.00 N. H. Young. Boite. Idaho.... 1.00 P. Workman. Boiae. Idaho.... 1.50 L. E. Alter. Boiae. Idaho 1.00 P. Hammon. Boiae. Idaho .... 1.00 R. E. Knapp, Boiae. Idaho... 30.00 L. E. Workman. Boiae. Idaho.. 127.50 F. S. R. Branch. Detroit. Mich.. 600.00 CoU. by Maih Probat. YpailanU. N. D 11.00 M. Sitera. Omaha. Neb 5.00 Book Bindera Union. No. 24. New York Qty 62.20 M. WUenaky for Local 261 New York City 10.00 P. S. R. Br.. Milwaukee. Wia 579.36 F. S. R. Br.. Elisabeth. N. J. 104.85 F. S. R. Br.. Chiaholm. Minn. 37.75 Franco Belgian Prop. Club. Law* rence. Maaa 37,65 Finnish Socialiat Soc., Payne** ▼ille. Mich 36J6 Coll. by W. Rinettila, Tacoma, Wash 7.25 F. S. R. Br.. Peabody. Maas.. 175.00 F. S. R^ Br.. Minneapolis. Minn 116.00 Dan Fellows Piatt, Englewood, N. J 100.00 Bak«ra Union No. 4, St. Loais, Mo 2S.0> Int. Bro. of Electrical Workers. No. 1. St. Louis. Mo 16.35 Ronmanian Beneficial A Cultural Soc.. Canton. 25.0 Dr. W. S. Fogg, Lorkeford. Cal 11.00 E. Bjomberg, Chicago. Ill .... 10.00 C. S. Rice. Washington, D. C. 10.00 M. D. Hempel. Detroit. Mich... 5.00 J. McM. Turner. Madison. Wis. 5.00 H. W. HarHs. Allegan. Mich.. 5.00 L. Zuckerman. Chicago. III. .. 5.00 W. S. Fanning. Detroit. Mich 5.00 F. S. R. Br. Columbus. 5.00 C. Laaarow. Phila.. Pa 5.00 C. W. Scrutchin, Bemidji. Minn 5.00 Mrs. A. T. Sternlof, Worcester. Maas. 5.0i C. Langenbucher, Hamilton. O.. 5.00 J. Fredrikaon. Port Arthur. Oot 5.00 Brano Thannheimer. Detroit, Mich 5.0 W. Helmle. Oak Park. Ill 5.00 M. Kimberg, St. Paul. Minn.... 5.00 B. Baiter. Indiana, Pa 3.00 L. Camorale. Chicago. Ill 1.00 H. Mayling. Berkeley, Cal 1.85 F. S. R. Branch, N. Y. C 5.154.29 Uats 8094, 8092. 8090 K. Valen* tnkWidna, Stoughton. Mass. .. 34.20 F.S.R. Br.. Newberry. Mich 80.91 CoU. by S.E. Faut. Modesto, Cal 7.85 H. Santokh A R. Snigh, San Franeiaco, Cal 2.00 R. F. Hofaea. Reading. Pa 1.00 F.S.R. Br., Chicaco. Ill 1.000.00 F. S. R. Br.. San Franeiaco, Cal 300.00 F.S.R. Br.. Rockford. HI 75.00 F.S.R. Br., Virginia. Minn 38.36 Uat 14464. Mrs. E. Koubly A B. Argiewlca. Detroit. Mich 19.2 B. KruglikofF. Brooklyn. N. Y... 3.00 F. Janicke. Detroit. Mich 3.00 J. Janicki. Detroit. Mich 3.00 Rnaaky Goloa Publ. Corp., N. Y. C 1.808.08 F. S. R. Br., Boston. Mass..... 500.00 U.M.W. of A.. No. 992. Zeigler, ni 500.00 F. S. R. Br., Hartford. Conn. 150.00 F. S. R. Br.. Cincinnati. 0.. 100.00 M. W. A M. Goldman. Washing* ton, D. C 100.00 J. 1. Maaten. Coll. Gnthrie. Ky 80.00 F. S. R. Br., IndlanapoHa. Ind. 75.00 F. S. R. Br.. St. Louis. Mo 50.00 J. L. Brewer. Rochester. N. Y. 50.00 H. Hamburger. N. Y. C 25.00 Finnlah Wkrs. Assn.. Chisholm, Minn 25.00 W. light. San Franeiaco. Cal.. 25.00 Rec. No, Coniributors Amount 4354 4355 4356 4357 4358 4359 4360 . 4361 4362 4363 4364 4365 4366 4367 4368 4369 4370 4371 4372 4373 4374 4375 4376 4377 4378 4379 4380 4381 4382 4383 4384 4385 4386 4387 4388 4389 4390 4391 4392 4393 4394 4395 4396 4397 4398 4399 4400 4401 4402 4403 4404 4405 4406 4407 4406 4410 4411 4412 4418 4414 4415 4416 4417 4418 4419 4420 4421 4422 4423 4424 4425 4426 4427 4428 4429 4430 4431 4432 4433 4434 4435 4436 4437 4438 4439 4440 4441 4442 4443 P. Dennett. Rickreall. Ore 25.0 S. Roaenbaum, Milford, Conn... 20.0 F. S. R. Br.. Sheboygan. Wise. 20.00 Mrs. A.W. Rosen. Richmond. Va 12.00 F S. R., Rus. Sec. N. Y. C... 154.08 Dr. W. Mendelaon. Bklyn. N. Y. 10.00 D. Gittleman. Silver Spring. Md. 10.00 J. Marcus. Kansas City. Mo 10.00 G. Pollock. Jersey Qty. N. J. 10.00 J. Jablonaki. Detroit. Mich.... 10.00 M. E. Marka. Laramie. Wyo. .. 10.00 M. Mooney. Chicago. Ill 10.00 P. F. Finnegan, Jamaica PI., Mass 10.00 E. B. Tolson, St. Psul, Minn... 10.00 F.L.&E.H. Sladek. Paris. Mo. 10.00 F. S. R. Br., Reading. Pa 6.00 Pohn Orth. Boston 11, Mass... 5.00 G. H. Franaen, Minneapolia, Minn 5.00 Dr.C.L. Dichter, Stamford, Conn. 5.00 Mr. A Mra. C. K. Gleeaon, Kirkwood, Mo 5.00 G. Zakutuly, San Rafael, CaL.. 5.00 Caaaelli Hat Store, McKeesport, Pa 5.0C J. B. Fiahman, Paaaaio, N. J... 5.00 K. Sell. Walled Uke. Mich.. 5.00 D. R. Brumhall. N. Y. Qty 5.00 T. G. DcProoat. Redding, Cal. S.UO C. Anridaon, Attleboro. Maaa.. 5.00 Rua. Sec. F. S. R.. N. Y. Oty 532.29 B. Fine, QeveUnd, 10.00 A. Sallera, H. Kino, I. Gamberg. San Franeiaco. Cal 3.50 A. Schwalder. Butte. Mont 2.50 E. Guerten. Sanu Cms. Cal. .. 2.23 F. S. R. Br., Astoria. Ore 41.00 L. E. Wright, N. Y. City.... 25.00 A. Rudaitia, Ust 5225, Ingle- wood, Cal 10.00 A. M. Cummina, Wheeling, W. Va 10.00 C.R.D. Miller, Cambridge, Maaa 10.00 H. K. HollUter. N. Y. City.... 10.00 Johanna Kroeber. N. Y. Qty 5.00 H. P. Daugherty. N. Y. City.... 5.00 A Friend. Wellealey. Maaa. .. 5.00 A Friend. Welleaeley. Mass. .. 5.00 G. Schroder. Rosholt, S. D... 5.00 B. F. Marshall. St. Joaeph. Mo 5.00 Dr. M. Schultaer. Chicago. Ill 5.00 P. MoatOToy. Eureka. Cal 5.00 J. Machulaky, Akron. Ohio.... 5.00 Engel Berge. Plankioton. S. D. 10.00 A. Jansen. Somenrille, Mass. . 5.00 L. Horan. Windsor. Out.. Can. 2.00 E. Guldeman. Paterson. N. J. 2.00 A. Soderberg. Rockford. Ill 1.00 P. Norlander. Glenwood. Minn. 2.00 T. Eremeeff. N. Y. C 5.00 Socialist Consumer Br. II. Bklyn. N. Y 30.00 S. Waranu. List 3160. Bklyn. N. Y 16.00 I. Reanick. N. Y. City 5.00 M.. A W. W. Whitson, Kansas aty. Mo 10.0 H. D. Hayea. Denver. Colo. .. 5.00 E. W. Langley. Escanaba. Mich. 2.00 C. Wilkse. Dayton. Ohio .... 2.00 H. DeRidder. New York City.. 3.00 Anonymous, Mendhara, N. J... 1.00 R. Commins, Rochester. N. Y. 1.00 L Jilbert. Tracy. Cal 1.00 J. Grill. Dayton. 1.00 J. M. Brake. Galion. 1.00 Mrs. Burck. Bklyn. N. Y 10.00 F.S.R. Br. Beech Creek, Ky... 64.75 Mrs. C.F. Johnson. Rockford. I.. 4.00 Mrs. R. Knodle. Rockford. HL 1.00 Dr. P. G. Dill. Baltimore. Md. 2.00 L. Hohnstein, Los Angeles. Cal. l.OO Anonymous 1.00 F. Gereceich. Rock Tavern, N.Y. 2.00 Anonymoua. So. Millbrook. N.Y. 3.00 M. Harmatta, Pittsburg, Pa 1.0 Michael Suni. N. Y. City .... 4.25 P. Balkin. Springfield, Mass. .. 5.00 T.M. Zalevrski. Detroit. Mich. 4.00 A. MscKinnon. Greensboro. N.C. 3.00 H. Scbwanman, Bronx. N. Y. 2.00 C. W. Cupples. Msssilon. 0. .. 2.00 M.A. Crosswhite. Detroit. Mich. 1.00 E. Mrasko. Catenovia. N. Y. 1.00 C. G. Roaa. E. Boston, Msss. .. 1.00 G. J. Lively. Boscawen. N. H. 2.00 E. W. Lively. Boscawen, N. H. 1.00 R. D. Morgan. New Haven, Conn 2.00 A. E. Franklin. Buffalo. N. Y. 5.00 J. Lerekonuck. List 7191. Man- chester. N. H 29.50 JtM. N: ComtribuUr$ Amount 1 Palt tlaeTa buttons. 1 nack chain. 1 brooch. Qerelaad. O A. Korekin, Hoboken. N. J. 15.00 P. Oauchowaky. N. Y. Oty.. 2.00 J. Adama, N. Y. Qty 22.50 F. S. R. Br. PortUnd. Ore. .. 350.00 F. A. Ray. Arkansas Gty. Ark. 100.00 F. S. R. Br.. Detroit. Mich... 80.00 Finnish Group, Bovey. Minn. 50.00 J. Kromarich (Meeting), Gil* b«rt. Minn 49.00 F. S. R. Br.. St. Louia, Mo... 45.00 F. S. R. Br. Kanaaa Qty. Mo. 35.00 P. Keppeler. Salt Laka City, Utah 2S.0C C. W. MoWade. Moorhead. Iowa 25.00 W. Kuknetaoff, Oahkoah. Wia 20.00 J. B. Schleainger, N. Y. City 20.00 CoU. by W. L. Forreat. Janaa* ▼iUe. Wise 11.00 A. E. Frey. Detroit. Mich. .. 10.00 U. P. Pace. Loveland. Okla... 10.00 M. Sands. Oconomowoc, Wise. 10.00 R. Madler, Newark, N. J 10.00 M. A. Kempf, Edgewater, Cola 10.00 A. Owsiak. Providence, R. I... 10.00 A. G. Klooa. Chicago. lU 10.08 U. B. of C. A J. No. 657, She* boygan, Wiac lO.OC C.L. A M.B. Brumbaugh. B«U»- wood. Pa 10.01 K. Arthur, Phila, Pa 10.00 Cancelled. laaued by mistake fli Mrs. M. HlUsmith, So. Dan- bury. N. H 10.00 H. C. Oppenheimer. N. Y. Qty 10.00 Mrs. J. Prado. Grand Rapida. Mich 10.0f J.F. Walsh, Brandon, Man. Can. 10.00 J. Dybkoff, Providence, R. L.. 10.80 J. Rubin, Paducah. Ky 9.08 S. Lapuhoaky. Maspeth. N. Y. 8.8 L. Zalttcki. LUta 9674-9677, Hartford. Conn 7.0C Car celled. Issued by mistake 86 J. S. S. DaWa. Montvale, N. J. 5.08 J. D. UWall, Buffalo. N. Y... 5.00 Benj. Fisher, N. Y. Qty .... 5.00 Flora Sherry, N. Y. Qtf .. 3.00 M. Rosenberg. Pittsburg. Pa. .. 5.00 Belgian Group. New BedfoH. Mass. 5.8C 0. Swanaon. Zinn, Minn S.08 E. D. Brandt. Rivoraide. CaL .. 8.08 E. Pierce. E. Dubuque. lU... 5.08 F. M. Hull. Rockford, III 5.00 Eloise Forster, N. Y. Oty .. 5.00 H. Stolx, Los Angeles. Cal.... S.08 J. Muvrin. Chisholm, Minn 5.00 R. D. Lindley. PaoU, Ind f.88 M. Cohen, Phila.. Pa 5.00 1. Mufson, Psssaic. N. 1 f.OO R. W. Chaney. Iowa Qty, la.. 5.00 L. I. Korb, Cleveland. 8.00 N. B. Seara. Urbana. lU 5.00 S. Painter. Balston Lake, N. Y, S.OO O. Kammerer, St. Louia. M«. . 8.00 H. Seigel. N. Y. Qty f.OO J. Weichael, N. Y. Qty 1.00 A. Hirschfield, Minneapolia, Mian i.0( L. Gritianaen, Flushing, N. Y... 8.00 A. Schwarta, Corvallia, Ore..... 8.00 A. Van Lerberghe, Loe Angelaa. Cal 8.00 J. A. Mohr, Spokane, Waah. 8.80 E. Hodone. Lewiaton. Idaho... S.OO A. L. Halpin. Cleveland.' O.... S.OO J. C. Miller, N. Y. Qty.... 5.00 A. Knitel. Bayonne. N. J 5.00 O. A. Anderaon. Eaat Boaton. 4447 4448 4449 4450 4451 4452 4453 4454 4455 4456 4457 4458 4459 4460 4461 4463 4463 4464 4465 4466 4467 4468 4469 4470 4471 4472 4473 4474 4475 4476 4477 4478 4179 4i80 4481 4482 4483 4484 4485 U86 4487 4488 14C9 4400 4491 4492 4493 4494 4495 4496 4497 4498 4499 4500 4501 4502 4503 4504 4505 4506 4507 4508 4509 4510 4511 4512 4513 &.00 4514 Logon Freja No. 205. New Bed- ford. Mass a.OO 4515 A. M. Johnaon. New Bedford, Maaa 1.08 4516 J. A. Peterson, New Bedford. Maaa 1.80 4517 O. J. Undgren. New Bedford. Maaa 1.80 4518 J. Gruczolowski, Cleveland, O. 3.00 4519 K. Cristol, Hoboken, N. J 8.00 4520 J. G. Brown, Chicago, 111 3.00 4521 C. Aatromskas. Yonkers. N. Y. 1.00 4522 W. B. Kilpatrick. Wsrren. O... 2.00 4523 C. Tracy. Loa Angeles. Cal 1.00 4524 H. E. Sawdon. St. Elmo, Tens. 1.00 4525 B. F. Watson, Ksnsss City, Mo. 1.00 4526 Workers Party. Neffs. Ohio.... 165.38 4527 F. S. R. Br.. Oevelsnd, O..... 120.35 4528 Meeting. Eveleth. Minn 41.08 4529 F. S. R. Br.. Racine. Wise 23.43 4530 A. Bineman. Bayonne, N. J 36.15 4531 J. Fomawad. Detroit. Mich U.SS Digitized by Google 192 il«c. No. CoHtributor$ Amount 4SS2 J. Iae«ar, MinnMpolU. Minn.... 10.00 4533 R. Bky. Swiatvale, Pa 5.00 4534 F. S. R. Br.. Newberry. Midi... 8 JO 4535 W. C Br. 140. PaterMn. N. J. 5.00 4536 C Sanger, C. CarroU A G. Vace- tick. Yaldmo. Waah 10.00 4537 F. S. R. Br., Kenoaha. Wise... 72.30 4538 L. C. Wentworth, Brookline 46. Maaa. 6.00 4539 W. C. Loogfaboro. Bueao Park. CaU 10.00 4540 DaWd Slmmona. N. Y. Qty.. 2.00 4541 F. S. R. Br., N. Y. Qty 3385.74 4542 J. Nelaon. Ericaon. Neb 2.00 4543 M. E. Plaaaman. Ferry. Wash... 5.00 4544 Rer. L. J. Anderaon. B'klyn. New York 55.56 4545 F. S. R. Br.. MoKeeaport. Pa... 80.65 4546 Dr. li. I. Kane. U Grange. 111. 10.00 4547 F. S. R. Br.. Hartford. Conn. 67.55 4548 F. C. N. Hedebol. Valparaiao, Ind 22.25 4549 S. T. A. S. R. Central Burean. N. Y. C 100.00 4550 Bronaon Farmers Qob. Bronaon, Minn 17.40 4551 R. W. SchriTor. Newport. Ky... 5.50 4552 S. N. Petrenk9, Waahington. D. C 3J0 4553 F. S. R. Br.. Erie. Pa 100.00 4554 John M. Leyda. R. C. Piatt*, mouth. Neb 51.00 4555 F. S. R. Br.. Ely. Minn 39.00 4556 J. Jacob, R. C. Deal Beach. N. J 21.00 4557 Oscar W. Demmler. Pittahnrg. P*. 20.00 4558 Aaron Cohen, R. C, Baltimore. Md 17.00 4559 Leon Hania. R. C. N. Y. C. 15.00 4560 Roman Tamaasevski, Providence. R. 1 10.00 4561 MUdred H. Wolfson. N. Y. C. 10.00 4562 Jscob Berger. Madiaon. Wis.... 10.00 4563 John Kadk, R. C, N. Y. C. 10.00 4564 Dr. J. C. Vaoghan, N. Y. C... 10.00 4565 Geo. Kmdn, Enreka. Cal 10.00 4566 E. DJomp. N. Y. C 10.00 4567 Emma F. Baxter. Holden. BCass. 10.00 4568 Anne Salminan. Berkley. Cal... 10.00 4569 Mr. A Mn. W. H. Aaines. Cam- bridge. Maaa ^ 10.00 4570 Josef Pribraky, N. Y. C 10.00 4571 Selma Gobin. N. Y. C 5.00 4572 Helen F. Little. Cable. Wise... 5.00 4573 J. J. Lankes. Gardenrille. N. Y. 5.00 4574 Jos. Bnkaa. YorkriUe. Ohio.... 5.00 4575 J. P. HaTen. Caamalia. Cal :>.on SOVIET RUSSIA Rec. No, Contribuior$ Amount | JUc 4576 Jos. H. Chesnat, Mill VaUey. 4617 CaL 5.00 4618 4619 4577 Axel Anderson. Henry Johnson and Fred Leaf, W. New Brighton, 4620 N. Y 3.00 4621 4578 Jnlina Biackby, N. Y. C 3.00 4622 4579 Mary Frey, N. Y, C 2.00 4629 4580 B. Fremaud. Brainerd. Biinn... 1.00 4581 Friends in Memory of Dr. M. E. 4624 Eliinga, Grand Rapida, Mich.... 50.00 462S 4582 C. S. OUnger. Birmingham. AU. 25.00 4626 4583 Mr. A Mra. M. Nagel, Hebr3n. 4627 No. DakoU 10.00 4628 4584 Frederio Roper. Camp Hill. AU. 1.00 4620 4585 Dr. N. H. Motsinger. FiHonia. Pa. 5.00 46S0 4586 Hattie C. Motainger. Fredonia. 4631 Pa. 5.00 4632 4587 R. E. Bower, Fredonia. Pa... 1.00 4588 Mrs. R. E. Bower, Fredonia, Pa. 1.00 4633 4589 Bnclunaa Broa.. Fredonia, Pa. 1.00 4634 4590 John Edge. Fredonia. Pa 1.00 4591 W. F. Huey. Fredonia, Pa 1.00 4635 4592 A. McGrath, Fredonia, Pa 1.00 4593 W. E. Ruff. Fredonia. Pa.... 2.00 4636 4594 H. H. Horton. Fredonia. Pa. 1.00 4637 4595 Mrs. W.J. Huriey, Fredonia. Pa. 1.00 4638 4596 Mra. G.A. Treyermuth. Fredonia. 46S9 Pa, 1.00 4640 4597 Finnish Socialist Federation, Chicago. Ill .358.47 4641 4598 F. S. R. Br.. Bridgeport. Conn. 150.21 4642 4599 CoU. by C. H. Becker. Firt 4643 Wayne. Ind 53.70 4600 Aug. Andreae. R. C, Lakemont. 46U 4601 Ga 39.00 20.00 4645 F. S. R. Br.. Beech Creek. Ky. 4646 4602 Joseph Kasatkin. Los Angeles. Cal 10.00 4647 4603 W. B. Stempien, Chicago, III. 10.00 4604 A. Kahn, Peoria. Ill 5.00 4648 4605 Goldie Sargent, R. C, Columbus. 4649 4606 Ohio 5.00 5.00 4650 F. H. Conant, Auburn. Wash. 4607 Fred. C. Sherwood. Clereland. 4651 4608 Ohio 4.00 4.00 4652 August Weber. R. C, N. Y. C. 4609 Warren A. McClure. Royal Oak, 4659 4610 Biich 2.00 1.00 R. B. Hayes. Redding. Cal.... 4634 4611 A. Kratise. Everett. Mass 1.00 4655 4612 F. A. Tingley. DanriUe. lU.... 1.00 4613 Carl C. Nielaen, San Franciaco, 4656 4614 Cal 5.00 5.00 Fitaharding Berkeley. N. Y. C. SS80 4615 Butchers' Union No. 174. R. C, N. Y. C. Coll 44.00 4616 Amos W. I. tucks. St. Johnsrille. N. Y 12.00 April 1, 1922 No, Contribtor* dmommt H. Bnrk. Norfolk. Vs 2.00 Louise Park. Waahington. D. C 1.00 Annie Sawyer. Plymouth. N. H. 1.00 David Berger. N. Y. C 1.00 W. H. Jonea. Los Angeles. Cal. 3.00 Tom HiU. S. S. Cheaterson.. 2.00 Annie Folan Conboy, Canajok- •da, N. Y 5.00 Martha Dreiblott, Madison, Wis. 5.00 Betty, Fresno, Cal 5.00 J.E. Hangen, Hieksville, N.Y. 5.00 R. Wight, R. C, Oanbury, O. 4.00 Tony Oriole, Bridgeport. 0... 1.00 John E. Johnaon, R. C, Jersey aty, N. J 1^ K. Kubaka. Gary. Ind 1.00 Harry Aaronson. N. Y. C 1.00 Agnes O'Conner, Grand Rapids. Mich. 1.00 Anonymotis. Chicago. Ill 1.00 I. G. Bergenstrakle, Worcester, Coll. by Olgert Luther, College Point, L. 1 9.25 F. S. R. Branch, Madiaon, m. 195.75 Ruadan SecUon. F.S.R.. N.Y.C 144.05 F.S.R. Br.. SeatUe, Waah 600.00 Paul Lorentaen, Milwaukee, Wia. 10.00 Mrs. Bf. H. Epstein, Milwaukee, IWs. 10J» Sam Laakow, Milwaukee, Wis... 10.00 L Uskow, MUwaukee. Wla,,, 45.00 Beatrice Laakdw. Milwankes, IWs. 1.00 Abe Ross, Milwaukee, Wia 1.00 Nelson Laakow. Milwaukee, Wis. 3.00 Mra. Ida Kruse, R, C.. Jersey aty. N. J 16.00 Lodge No. 310. B. R.. C. of A., MUwaukee. Wis. 15.00 I. Serier. Kennewick. Waah... 15.00 Carl Kempf, Oak Park, 111 10.00 Charles Ludwig, Hyde Park, Cincinnati. Ohio 12.00 Nicholaa Zhnck. Youngatown, O. 10.00 Mr. A Mrs. O. H. Todd, Eogsne, Ore. 10.00 F. S. R. Branch. Toronto, Ontario, Canada (Can. 14500) 4^97.^ F. S. R. Branch, Peabody, Maaa. 300.00 Robert Bolders. Gleason, Wia., List 6519 101.00 F. S. R. Branch, San Diegs, Cal 130.00 Mra. A. A. Tanner, Gillette, N. J. Platinum Watch A Chain. This was omitted from Cen> tribution List of the first half of February. Digitized by Google. , ''Red'' Anti-Bolshevists SOVIET RUSSIA Semi-Monthly Official Organ of the Friends of Soviet Russia Vol. VI. April 15. 1922 No. 7 **Froin Darkness to Light; from Battles to the Book; from Sorrow to Happiness" A Russian Educational Poster ( The Inscription on the Open Pages Is Translated Above the Picture) TABLE OF CONTENTS , Mooes of Economic Omaotzation. by N. Bukh. «Rasseya" {Condusitm). byL. Sosnovskj 200 aria 194 Chanced World Situation KConcluswn), by Leon ^^''^ '"^ ^^^^ ^^'''^' *^ Pokrovsky 202 Trotsky 195 Editorials 203 Soviet Russia and Sweden by Zeth Hoglund 198 Trade Agreement with Sweden {Full Text),.. 207 Art Objects for Sale, by F. Chuchin 199 Relief Contributions. March 16-31 209 ImsH Twir« a Month at 110 We«t 40th St.. Now Tork. Edlt«d and Published by Jacob Wittmer HartmasB. Sabffcriptiea RaU: %IJS% ^m ( Eo'etRU ■• aecond claaa matter Jaoaary 29, 1921, at the Poat Offico at New York. N. Y.. aodar tba Act of Mmr^ t» IMI. Digitized by Google 194 Modes of Economic Organization By N. BUKHARIN (This article is taken from "PravcUC^ of February 8, 1922.) TPHE system of economic relations now evolving ^ in our country is conmionly called **State Cap- italism'*. But economic conditions with us are so complicated that it would be difficult to compre- hend them in a single fixed conception. Nor has the expression ''State Capitalism" that significance in economic literature which has recently been given it in our Russian literature. Let us attempt here to get a clear idea of the various kinds of economic life now existing and evolving in our country: Enterprises of the Proletarian State We here include all enterprises that have been nationalized by the Proletarian State. These are state monopolies, but by no means state capitalistic monopolies, for in a state capitalistic monopolythe bourgeoisie is the owner of the enterprises. With us, on the other hand, the working class is the owner of the nationalized enterprises, and as the character of the production methods is determined by property relations, it is clear that the technical term "state capitalistic enterprise" cannot be ap- plied to an establishment that is owned by the working class. On the other hand, such an enter- prise is not yet a socialistic production unit in the proper sense of the word. The conception of ''socialistic economy*' presupposes a strictly ap- plied planfulness throughout the whole economic process, while in our country, especially under the new economic policy, the element of planful- ness lags far behind that of adaptation to the general market for conmiodities. A capitalistic form of business management ("production on a paying basis", production for the commodity market, etc.) is not sufficient to make an enterprise a capitalist enterprise, in the sense of capitalist ownership. Enterprises of Mixed Type To this class belong enterprises in which the State appears as an owner together with capital- ist groups. In the so-called mixed enterprises a portion of the shares belongs to the Proletarian State, while the rest belongs to foreign or Russian capitalists. It is quite clear that enterprises of this type are not state capitalistic enterprises, nor can they be considered as purely proletarian estab- lishments. The owners in this case are both the workers and the capitalists. The surplus value created in these enterprises goes partly into the pockets of the Workers' State and partly into those of the capitalistic partners. In the general evolu- tion of economic life there will ensue a constant conflict of control within any specific enterprise, and as the economic power of the proletariat in- creases, the share owned by the capitalist groups will be pushed more and more into the background. The Proletarian State will determine the course of a£fairs in increasing measure, and will conduct them in the same manner as, for instance, the great banks and trusts conduct a number of stock cor- porations in a capitalistic state. Concessioned Enterprises and Leases In these establishments the property relation is the following: the Workers' State is here the owner, but not the complete owner, as the concessionaire, as well as the lessee, invests production devices of his own in the production process, by himself importing machinery, constructing new factory buildings, obtaining produc^on tools. In the majority of these cases the initial capital will be the property of the Workers' State. Surplus value obtained in these establishments will be divided into two parts, and the class struggle proceeding within the enterprises will find its expression in the relative size of these fractions of the surplus value. Private Capitalistic Enterprises Controlled by the Proletarian State To this class belong all capitalistic enterprises in the proper sense of the word, in other words, enterprises whose owners are limited to capitalist groups or individual capitalist entrepreneurs. The development of these establishments will be reg- ulated more or less from the outside: by the State Bank, the credit system, money circulation, the laws of the Proletarian State, etc. Petty Bourgeois Economy and its Organizations These embrace the establishments of the small producers, home workers, arts and crafts, and peasants, who are the best soil for the development of purely bourgeois capitalist conditions. These are the fundamental forms of economic life as we meet with them in the Soviet Republic. A very important question must here be touched upon. The entire system of economic relations in Russia is considered as a whole, to which the great capitalistic organizations are opposed on the world market This confronts us with the follow- ing question: Conditions on the world market may come to a point where a certain portion of the surplus value created by the Russian national economy flows in one form or another into the pockets of the foreign bourgeoisie (payments to foreign States, losses in international commodity exchange due to the weakness of our social-eco- nomic situation, etc.).* This circumstance, a re- sult of Russia's as yet weak position in world economy, is by no means a proof of the capitalistic character of our national industry. This circum- stance is only another indication that the process *It thus appears that even enterprises exclusively con- troUed by the workers produce a portion of surplus value that escapes the working class. Digitized by Google April 15, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA 195 of our economic development is simultaneously a characteristic process of class struggle. Within Russia this struggle takes the shape of competition between national and private enterprise, the shape of a struggle for better conditions in concessions and leaseholds, etc. In the field of world economy this struggle assumes the form of a struggle for better, more advantageous conditions in trade agreements, loans, etc. In the evolution of eco- nomic life an increase of that portion of the sur- plus value that goes to the Proletarian State is inevitable. The economic literature of Western Europe con- siders **State Capitalism'' to be the highest stage in the development of capitalism, the stage at which all production instruments have been con- centrated in the hands of the bourgeois State, which is the most perfect and powerful organiza- tion of the capitalist class. As may be seen from the above, our State Capitalism is of an entirely different character. Our economic system may be- come '*true" slate capitalism if we reach the point where in the course of the class struggle, both in the field of the process of production, as well as in the field of political relations, the power of com- mand drops out of the hands of the working class. But if this great historical antagonism is decided in favor of the proletariat, it will transpire that the capitalist groups will have played in our eco- nomic life only the part of capitalistic specialists, serving the working class against their own will and their own desires. The variety of economic types in Russia is a fact in our economic life that may not be neglected. For this reason, we must pay particular attention, in estimating the func- tions of the trade unions in the new economic policy, to the varied inner construction of our national economy. It is self-evident that the tasks; and methods of work of our trade unions will have to adapt themselves to the types of these eco-^ nomic forms. The grading of the economic types will determine the nature of the tasks, the forms of organization and the methods of work, of the trade unions. The Changed World Situation By Leon Trotsky. (Conclusion) (The date affixed to the book from which this series of articles is taken is August 19, 1921, This explains the reference to the Third Congress of the Third International in the last line of this con- cluding instalment,) TMMEDIATELY after the war the bourgeoisie had lost its head and was scared out of its wits, for the workers, particularly those returning from the front, were disposed to be very exacting. The working class as a whole« however, had lost its bearings, did not know precisely how life would shape itself after the war, what they should ask for and how, what path they should pursue. Their movements, as we have already seen, took an ex- tremely turbulent course, but there was no firm guidance for the working class as a whole. On the other hand, the bourgeoisie condescended to make great concessions. It continued the financial and economic methods of the war period (loans, money issues, bread subsidies, feeding the unemployed, etc., etc.). In other words, the bourgeoisie in power continued its work of destroying the economic foun- dation and shattering the equilibrium of production and finances more and more, in order to be able to maintain class equilibrium during the gravest pe- riod. This process has up to the present been more or less effective. The bourgeoisie is now attacking the problem of restoring the economic equilibriimi. It is now faced not with temporary concessions and alms to the working class, but with measures of a funda- mental nature. The disorganized production appa- ratus and the normal condition of the rate of exchange must be restored. To restore the production apparatus means to cut down the work devoted to the manufacture of con- sumption conunodities, and to increase the produc- tion of machinery. The accumulation must be in- creased, i. e., the intensity of labor must be en- hanced and wages reduced. To reestablish the normal rate of exchange, it would be necessary not only to annul debts, but also to improve the trade balance, i. e., to import less and export more. This would mean to consume less and produce more, i. e., it would be equivalent to another reduction in wages and an increase in the intensity of labor. Every step that aims to rehabilitate the capitalist economy is connected with an increased intensity of exploitation and therefore must needs encounter the resistance of the working class. In other words, every effort of the bourgeoisie to restore the equi- librium of production, of distribution, of national finances, will inevitably disturb the unstable equi- librium of the working masses. While the bour- geoisie for two years, during the recent war, was guided chiefly in its economic policy by the desire to pacify the proletariat, even though it be at the price of a further destruction of the economic sys- tem, it now has begim, at a moment of most un- Digitized by (^oogle 196 SOVIET RUSSIA April 15, 1922 paralleled crisis, to improve the economic situa- tion by an ever increasing pressure on the working class. England is perhaps the clearest example of the extent to which this pressure produces resistance. And the resistance of the working class destroys the stability of the economic system and renders all talk of rehabilitating the equilibrium a mere empty sound. To be sure, the struggle of the proletariat for power has been somewhat prolonged. This struggle has not been an uninterrupted storm attack. It has not presented the aspect of progressively in- creasing waves, the last of which would wash away the capitalist system. In this struggle we observe both a rise and a des- cent, both offense and defense, in short, our class manoeuvres are by no means always very skilful. There are two causes for this. In the first place, the weakness of the Communist Parties that arose after the war, without the necessary experience, without the necessary mechanism, without suf- ficient influence and without — and this is the most important point — a sufficient understanding for the working masses. In this matter we have at any rate made some progress in the last few years. The Conmiunist Parties have been gaining in strength and maturity. The second cause of the protracted and uneven character of the struggle is the hetero- geneous composition of the working class itself, as it emerged from the war. The labor bureaucracy of the trade unions, par- ties and parliaments, was least adversely affected by the war. The capitalist governments of all countries devoted much intelligefnce and care to this upper crust, for they understand that they would not succeed, without this upper crust, in bridling the working class during the years of blood. The labor bureaucracy was granted all sorts of privi- l^es and issued forth from the war equipped with all those habits of obtuse conservatism with which it had entered the war, but it had been more com- promised, and more closely united with the capi- talist state. The skilled workers of the older gen- eration, accustomed to their trade union and parly organizations, remain for the most part, particu- larly in Germany, as supports of the labor bureau- cracy, but their stability is not for all time. The workers who have passed through the school of the war have given the masses a new mentality, new habits, a new attitude to the questions of struggle, of life and of death. They are ready to solve ques- tions by force. But they have learned in warfare that the application of force promises no success unless accompanied by proper tactics and strategy. These elements will go into battle, but they demand a firm guidance and a serious preparation. Many backward sections among the workers, including the working women, whose number increased enormously during the war, have now, as a con- sequence of the abrupt change in their conscious- ness, become the most intrepid, if not always the most experienced section of the working class. On the extreme left wing we must finally record the working youth, who grew up in the war, the thunder of battle and revolutionary convulsions in their ears, and for whom a significant role is reserved in the impending encounter. This numerically greatly increased proletarian mass of old and juvenile workers, workers from the rear and workers from the line of fire, all this million-headed mass does not pass through the school of revolution with equal swiftness or at the same period. This was apparent once more from the example of the March events in Germany, when the workers of Central Germany, before the war the most back- ward element, rushed into battle in March without asking whether it promised victory, while the Berlin and Saxon workers, who had gathered more ex- perience in the course of the revolutionary strug- gles, had become more cautious. The general course of the struggle, and particu- larly the present offensive of capital, are decidedly calculated to cement together all the sections of the working class, with the exception of the privileged upper group. The Communist Party is more and more acquiring the possibility of bringing about a true united front of the working class. Immediate Prospects and Tasks The revolution springs from three sources, which are related with each other. The first source of revolution is the decline of Europe. The equilibrium of classes in Europe was based primarily on the dominant position of England in the world market. This dominant po- sition is now finally and irrevocably lost. Thence result mighty revolutionary disturbances, which may end either in the victory of the proletariat or the complete decay of Europe. The second source of the revolutionary struggle is in the abrupt convulsions of the entire economic organism of the United States, the unheard of boom brought about by the European war, and the ugly crisis which resulted from the lasting consequences of this war. The revolutionary development of the American proletariat may under these circumstances assume a speed just as unparalleled in history as was that of the economic development of the United States in the last few years. The third source of the revolutionary struggle is the industrialization of the colonies, particularly India. The foundation of the struggle for libera- tion of the colonies is the peasant mass. But their struggle requires leadership. This leadership was furnished by the native bourgeoisie. The latter struggled against the rule of foreign imper- ialism, but could not do so persistently or ener- getically, as the native bourgeoisie, itself closely allied with foreign capital, is necessarily in a cer- tain sense the agent of the latter. Not until a rather Digitized by Google April 15, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA 197 numerous and militant native proletariat has been created, can we have any real kernel for revolu- tion. The movement for freedom in the colonies is of course, if we consider the numerical strength of the Indian proletariat, relatively weak; but anyone who has grasped the meaning and the history of the revolution in Russia will surely be ready to say that the revolutionary role of the pro- letariat in the countries of the East will be much greater than its numerical strength. This is true not only of the purely colonial countries, such as India, and the semi-colonies, such as China, but also of Japan, where the capitalist oppression goes hand in hand with a caste absolutism of feudal and bureaucratic character. The world situation and the prospects for the future are therefore profoundly revolutionary. When the bourgeoisie resorted to giving alms to the working class, the opportunists assiduously transformed these alms into reforms (eight hour day, unemployment insurance, etc.) and proclaimed over the ruins a new era of reformism. Now the bourgeoisie has gone over to a counter-offensive all along the line, and even the London Times, ar arch-capitalistic organ, speaks with tremors of fear of the "irreconcilables" of capitalism. The present epoch is an epoch of counter-reformism. The Eng- lish pacifist, Norman Angell, said war was a mis- calculation, and the experience of the last war has really shown that it was a false calculation so far as bookkeeping is concerned. After the war it looked as if a triumph of pacifism were to ensue, of which the League of Nations was to be the ex- pression; now we see that all hopes in pacifism were misplaced. Never has capitalist humanity been pre- paring so furiously for new wars as now. The il- lusions of democracy are being dissipated even in the most conservative sections of the working class. A short time ago the only thing that could be con- trasted with democracy was the dictatorship of the proletariat, with its Terror, its "Extraordinary Commissions," etc., etc. Now very many forms of class struggle are being declared and denounced as being in contrast with democracy. Lloyd George proposed to the miners to apply to the Parliament and declared their strike to be a violation of the po- pular will. Under the Hohenzollems the German workers generally knew what was permitted and what was not permitted. In the Republic of Ebert, the strik- ing worker is always in danger of being cut down without ceremony in the street or in the police sta- tion. The Ebert democracy has about the same value for the German workers as their high pay in worth- less paper. The task of the Communist Party consists in grasping as a whole the resulting situation and in actively entering the struggle of the working class. in order to conquer the majority of the working class on the basis of this struggle. When the situ- ation in one country or other becomes extraordin- arily grave, matters must be put categorically and forms of struggle must be assumed in accordance with the facts. But if the course of events is to take a more planful shape, we must make use of all posibilities to win over the majority of the working class by the time decisive events occur. In the present defensive on the economic field caused by the crisis, the Communists must par- ticipate most actively in all trade unions, all strikes, all actions; they must observe an internal connec- tion in all their work and always come out as the most determined and disciplined seption of the working class. As the crisis and the political situa- tion develop, our economic defensive may extend, embracing more and more sections of the working class, of the population, and of the army of unem- ployed, may take the form of a revolutionary offen- sive at a certain stage, and end in victory. This must be the goal of our efforts. But if this crisis should be relieved by an im- provement in the industrial situation, would this mean that the revolutionary struggle must be aban- doned indefinitely? All my remarks have shown that the new boom, which can certainly not be very long or very deep, will by no means amount to an abandonment of the revolutionary development. The industrial boom of 1848-1851 held up the revolution only for the reason that the revolution of 1848 really re- sulted merely in extending the framework of ca- pitalist development. As for the events of 1914- 1921, they did not extend the framework of the world market, but emphatically limited it, and there- fore the trend of capitalist development in the near future will, on the whole, be downward. Under these circumstances, the temporary boom can only strengthen the class consciousness of the workers, serry their ranks in the industrial enterprises as well as in the struggle, and give impetus not only to the economic counter-offensive, but also to the revo- lutionary struggle for power. The situation is becoming more favorable for us, but also extremely complicated. We shall not achieve victory automatically. The enemy is los- ing the ground under his feet, but he is strong, he has a keen eye for our weak spots, he manoeuvres skilfully, and is always guided by cold delibera- tion. We must learn much from Uie experience of our struggles during these three years, particularly from our mistakes and failures. The civil war de- mands a political, tactical and strategical system of manoeuvres, demands the consideration of every possible situation, of the strong and the weak points of the enemy, a combination of enthusiasm and cold calculation, not only the ability to attack, but also a readiness to beat a retreat, in order to gather one's forces for an all the more conclusive blow. Digitized by (^oogle 198 SOVIET RUSSIA ApA 15, 1922 As I have said, the world situation and the pros- pects for the future are extremely revolutionary. This will produce the necessary conditions for our victory, but a sure guarantee can be afiforded only by our own skilful tactics and firm organization. To raise the workers' movement to a higher plane, to strengthen it tactically — that is the fundamental task of the Third Congress of the Communist In- ternational. Moscow, August 19, 1921. Soviet Russia and Sweden By Zeth Hoclund (The commercial agreement signed between Sweden and Soviet Russia on March 1 is printed elsewhere in this issue, A few days after it was signed, and before its ratification by the Swedish Gov- ernment, the '^Folkets Dagblad PolitikerC\ a radical daily in Stockholm, printed the following in- teresting article from the pen of its editor on the general subject of the relations between the two countries,) 'T^HE Russian-Swedish Commercial Agreement, '■■ for which the Government on Saturday asked the approval of the Parliament, is a much less ex- tensive document than was desirable from the standpoint of the interests of Swedish industry. This is pointed out by the Minister of Commerce himself in his statement to the Cabinet that it was "a preliminary and scanty regulation of funda- mental commercial relations", and in truth it may hardly be considered as more than that It does not include a legal recognition of Soviet Russia and does not prepare the way for the credits by which we might have profited greatly from such an agreement. The cause for this is tnat the Swed- ish Government — which in principle appears to have no objections to this idea — had united with its desire to meet the Russian Government half way a demand that a granting of credits should be accompanied with a binding undertaking to place orders, and that the claims of the Swedish State and of private Swedish citizens on the Russian State should be "satisfactorily" regulated. It was impos^ble to arrive at an agreement on this point, since from the Russian side it was of course pointed out that the question of compensation was of international character and could not be settled with each country specifically, the more in view of the proximity of the Genoa Conference, at which this question was expected to be treated together with others. The negotiations therefore were limited to secur- ing a preliminary agreement with provisions cal- culated to fix a fundamental method, in view of existing conditions, for continued and if possible extended commercial relations between the two countries. The provisions are of two kinds, partly such as regulate the official representations of each government in the other country, partly such as aim at regulating and facilitating commercial ex- changes. In the first connection, the proposed agreement follows the Norwegian Agreement* very closely. Each country is to have the right to send * Trade Agreement between Russia and Norway, signed September 2, printed in Soviet Russia, November, 1921, pp. 223-225. an official representative to the other country, who is to enjoy the rights and special privileges re- quired for guarding the interests of his country and its citizens. In certain respects, though not in all, he is to be considered as the equal of a diplo- matic Minister. The Swedish Government further obligates itself to consider the representative of the Soviet Government in Sweden as the only official representative of the Russian nation in this country. The representatives shall have the right to the assistance of secretaries, couMuercial attaches, etc., until a treaty is signed, for which negotiations are to be made. As to commercial exchanges, the two govern- ments undertake to encourage commerce between their countries in every way and not to apply any discrimination against the other party between trade with it and trade with any other country. A certain clause provides that citizens from each country shall have the right to enter the other country for carrying on trade, in accordance with the regulations in force in that country on the subject of foreigners, and observing full recipro- city. In this respect the proposed treaty diflfers from all the other important agreements made by Russia with other countries, which provide only for an exchange of trade delegations. In spite of the provisional character of the Agree- ment, we must express our concurrence in the opinion of the Swedish Minbter of Commerce when he says, speaking from the standpoint of Swedish interests, diat it is to be preferred to the present treatyless condition: "In a number of respects it provides more favorable conditions than those hitherto existing, for the continuance of commer- cial exchanges between Sweden and Russia. It furthermore affords a prospect for Swedes to re- sume or to take up economic activity in Russia, in so far as Uie internal conditions of that country may permit. On the other hand it in no way lessens the possibilities of a satisfactory solution of the questions that have thus far not been regulated in connection with this point*' But we cannot help observing that the Swedish Government should have strengthened the actual recognitio* of the Digitized by Google April 15, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA 199 Soviet Government, which is involved in the Agree- ment, by adding a legal recognition, and that the failure to take this frank and final step is a con- temptible concession to the outcry that has been raised in the bourgeois press. Similarly, the ques- tion of credits should not have been joined with the more or less dubious claims that individual Swedes pretend to have on Russia — it should never be forgotten that Russia also may have a right to ask indemnities from Sweden for its participa- tion in the blockade, and this possibility makes it somewhat uncertain whether the Swedish capital- ists will have to collect or pay out the difference between the two claims. Tlie Government obviously, in spite of the re- straint it has put upon itself in this matter, must be ready to meet a powerful resistance to the Agreement in the Parliament, if we are to judge from the attitude of the bourgeois press of Stock- holm. In these papers there is a general effort to represent the agreement as particularly unfavor- able to Sweden, in fact, as positively dangerous politically, since it is to be the occasion for a mighty "flood of immigration from the East". Such terrible visions harrass Svenska Dagbladet and Nya Dagligt Allehanda* whose bad conscience keeps them in constant terror of the revolution. They can hardly be blamed for this, for they have many flagrant sins to live down, but it is altogether un- explainable how the modest Trade Agreement may accelerate this catastrophe. It might rather operate in the contrary direction, by contributing in some measure, through its results, to diminish the un- paralleled unemployment in this country, which would surely be a far more powerful element in a revolution than those Russian Bolsheviks who might, by the terms of this Treaty, be able to smug- gle themselves into the country and carry on their fiendish work, in spite of the watchful eye of the Swedish police. But it is not difficult to see what is really at the bottom of these fears. The bourgeois parties are preparing a united action against 3ie Governmentf and the working class on the unemployment ques- tion. It is therefore naturally considered opportune to advance to the tune of a patriotic cannonade, which may have more effect on hesitating souls than the struggle to starve out the unemployed and crush the trade unions. The Trade Agreement with Russia is therefore made to serve, on the basis of the internal political situation, as material for the bourgeois parties to raise a Bolshevik and patriotic scare, so that the more unattached sections of the population may be reconciled to the impending general attack for the overthrow of the Government. It is not a bad calculation. But it may nevertheless transpire that the reckoning has been made without the host, for the Swedish work- ing class may yet appear to have something to say * Stockholm dailies. tThe Swedish Cabinet is headed by the Right Wing Socialist, Hjalmar Branting. on this situation when the hour strikes, and if the Government should require its aid in defense of the interests of the working class, its aid will surely be forthcoming. ART OBJECTS IN FOREIGN MARKETS By F. Chuchin This article is taken from "Zri/e/" {The Observer), Moscow, a new weekly (issue of January 25. 1922). Some of the lUustrations printed wUh the articU wiU be repro- duced m the next issue of Soviet Russia. ^^ During the comparatively short period of "peace", the Soviet Republic has enriched its na- tional museums with a great number of first class objects of art of great rarity and historical value, unique in their kind. The number of museums was greatly increased and the government was able, without loss to itself, to set aside many objects in order to sell them abroad, on the foreign art market, in order to obtain articles needed by the country, such as agricultural machinery and implements, foodstuffs, etc. At present, the People's Commissariat of Foreign Trade, which holds the monopoly for the foreign trade of the whole country, is fully able to begin supplying the foreign market with art objects of Russian origin having historical value, and thus at least partly to fill the important gap in the world trade in art objects which was brought about when Soviet Russia was artificially isolated by the En- tente powers. For this purpose, in order to en- able the purchaser to examine the articles on the spot, the Commissariat in question is organizing central storehouses in Petrograd and Moscow for the exhibition of objects of art of historical value, and is preparing illustrated catalogs for publication. The creation of a state fund from the export of objects of art of historical value, as well as articles of luxury, is being conducted under the auspices of the People's Commissariat of Foreign Trade, not only on the territory of Russia but also on that of the autonomous Soviet Republics federated with her. The near future will show the results of this activity. BUSTS OF LENIN AND TROTSKY, the work of Clare Sheridan, have been reproduced in plaster of Paris with the artist's permission. Orders for the Lenin bust (large size) should be accom- panied by remittance of three dollars; for the Trotsky bust, two dollars. THE FRIENDS OF SOVIET RUSSIA 201 West 13th Street, New York City Art Department Digitized by Google 200 SOVIETRUSSIA April 15, 1922 "Rasseya" By L. Sosnovsky. ^ (Conclusion) The following account of actual happpenings in provincial Russian communities is taken from a reeent issue of "Pravda'\ **Rasseya** is die illiterate peasant way of pronouncing and u>riting **Rossiya" — Russia. ^^C\P course, of course. . .They have been culti- ^^ vating it for three years. The soil there is thoroughly cultivated, -^d the discipline there is severe. It happened that one day one of the fellow-workers did not come out to work the garden, and forthwith she was deprived of her part in the crop." 'Tfou know they have a very good kitchen-garden committee. The chairman is the Artillery General Lau. He turned out to be a first-class gardener — just like a professor. And he maintains discipline. In general he has shown great capabilities. He is also a locksmith, a carpenter, a shoemaker. . . . When in official business he has to go to Moscow, he always takes with him a kind of collapsible sleigh which he has manufactured himself. He puts it all together in a stick. And in Moscow he converts it into a sleigh, puts on it his luggage and a few poods of firewood and pulls it across Moscow to the home of his sister. "I tried the following experiment: I planted the potatoes one yard deep. They said the crop would be extraordinary. I am still waiting." *The manure is of great importance. ..." "Yes, the manure," languidly sighed the little lady and gave herself up to reveries In former days I traveled considerably all over Russia, I listened to many conversations between little ladies and elegant officers, but they were never about manure or kitchen-gardens. And on the outskirts of Kaluga I witnessed an unforgettable living picture. A gay sunny day. On both sides of the macadam road, diere is a mot- ley crowd of people busying themselves like ants around the vegetable beds. You see, all this mixed company are Soviet workers. Songs, shouts, jokes. Colored jackets and scarfs. Further on die color of khaki — the Provincial Military Command. And over there, people blackened by dust and dirt — printers and bricklayers. The whole field was speckled and dark with its many workers. There was a confused sound of songs, shouts and jokes. The people were digging potatoes, the crop of which was very fine. It was not a common landscape. Let us return to the "rulers" of the province. One could say : it is not of importance that they are peasants. But what masters do they make? I assert that these masters are not worse, but better, than the old ones. The old masters ruled for decades and longer. They had more experience and were also better pre- pared. The new ones have been at the helm for four years only, and what years they have been! On the occasion of the third anniversary of the November Revolution there was published at Ka- luga a memorial volume under the title "After Three Years." The book includes some excellent photographs. The first photograph represents the Council of People's Commissars of Kaluga. There was such a thing in Kaluga too. The first lisping of the So- viet Government authority. The second picture represents the entire party or- ganization of Kaluga. It could all find place in one single photograph. Then come three pictures. The first, the second and the third Communist detachment are departing from Kaluga to the civil war front And every one of these detachments is more numerous than the organization that originated it Just as with the mythical Hydra: chop one head oflf and tep new ones will grow in its place. There are very few workers in the Province of Kaluga. For the most part they were peasants who had left their villages — the village of Rosa Luxemburg and of the Dekab- rists. Is it astonishing that the citizens of the vil- lage of Rosa Luxemburg of the International County should have some idea of the Communist International, under the banners of which their sons were fighting? There has not yet been time to introduce a busi- ness management But they have made a begin- ning, a pretty good beginning. They have greatly extended the telephone system as compared with the times of Trubetskoy and Gorchakov, as well as the electrical power station. The latter was an in- teresting problem. The inhabitants of Kaluga had already given up in despair the hope to receive equipment for their station, through the regular channels. "Moscow does not believe in tears." But all of a sudden there appeared a brisk, sly individual, who prom- ised them, without any trouble, for ready money, to deliver the equipment directly into the yard of the electrical station. "But where will you get it?" **That is my secret. But I will tell it to you if vou won't tell th^ Cheka. It is from the City of N. There are plenty of these things there; why should they lie around idle there? It is better if they will furnish light to Kaluga." And he delivered the goods. The inhabitants of Kaluga repaired the water- supply system and stopped the loss of water. The Digitized by Google April 15, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA 201 little workshops that had shut down were again started. The home industries that had fallen into decay are reviving again. But they are more con- cerned with the fate of agriculture. This is the situation. But everybody knows that according to statistical data harmful insects each year destroy about one-third of the crop. The old masters conducted the struggle against this evil in a homeopathic manner, just for make believe. The new masters took up the work in a serious, scientific manner. Among the Wrangel officers who had been taken prisoners and sent to the con- centration camp of Kaluga, there was a learned entomologist The cobbler Dyudin (in charge of the Department of Agriculture) took him out of that place, warmed him up, handed him new cloth- ing, and gave him a chance to work. They found a big house and made all the necessary arrangements for organizing a "station for the protection of plants against harmful insects." When I was invited to look over this child of Kalugan Bolveshism, I made an exclamation of surprise. An astonishingly rich collection of ma- terial. A real museum. I am sure that even in Moscow, in the Provincial Department of Agricul- ture, this branch has not been organized so well. They say that in Moscow the "station" is housed in a few small rooms. And in Kaluga they have pro- vided a big house for this purpose. And their plans, developed by the entomologist, are very far reaching: to create an entire system of such outposts against the enemies of the grain. This is a symptom of their serious attitude to- wards agriculture. Moreover, the inhabitants of Kaluga are at present very much interested in im- proving horse-breeding. With what pride they took me to the enclosure in which they had collected the best thorough-bred horses, outside the agricultural exhibit! They led out one horse after another and the members of the Provincial Executive Committee gave the description and pedigree of each one. They spoke of tfie horses with emotion and affec- tion. "Here is our Soviet child," as a fine-looking young stallion was pointed out. In the "Hermitage of St. Tikhon", a former nest of "black ravens",* a disgusting den of revels and dissipations, there was organized a stud-farm for horses, managed by a Communist working man. And there are many such establishments. The agricultural exhibition, the first since the revolution, was very successful. In the course of one week it was visited by 85,000 persons. (The exhibition of the People's Commissariat of Agri- culture, held not long ago in Moscow, had fewer visitors). The former exhibitions held in Kaluga had, according to my investigations, not more than *A popular RuAsian nickname for b«1cl-ap men. 8,000 visitors. The exhibition was accompanied by energetic agricultural propaganda. I saw in the provinces a few splendidly organ- ized agricultural communes and soviet farms. In general, the presence of a good manager is felt in the provinces. There is no doubt about that. And it must be said that at present it is much harder to rule the provinces than before. Neither the Governor, nor the Zemstvo chairman, nor the Mayor, ever had the time to supervise such a number of factories, works, stores, agricultural and other enterprises. You need only to have a talk in Kaluga with the present "governor" — the baker Samsonov. He will expound to you the plan by which he intends steadily and gradually to raise the entire economic life of the province, without leasing anything, and exclusively on the basis of local means and the ne- cessary money advance (for the first half year) from the capital. Out of the surplus obtained from the match factory, he established a paper- mill, later on a glass factory, etc. It must be pointed out that before the Revolution Kaluga had been going downhill industrially and commercially. *The nineteenth century was characterized in the history of Kaluga by a gradual decay of industry and by a slow economic dying of the city" {Kaluga, sketch of an historical guide to Kaluga^ 1912, pages 46-51). Hardly any manufacturing of finished products at present goes on at Kaluga. The grain and tim- ber trade have moved to other places. The transit of goods and cattle from the eastern and southern provinces has ceased. "As a result the city is quiet, and has become poorer and poorer." (lb. p. 51). This was the inheritance that the new Russia re- ceived from the old masters. Four years of strenuous work without respite, in an atmosphere of desperate struggle. The old governor and Zemstvo officials would have perished after two or three years of such work. For them a Sunday was always a Sunday. And they had to spend the summer either on their landed estates, or in the health resorts, or abroad. And the week day evenings they spent in clubs or at home over the green table, gambling and drink- ing. But the present "governor" and "Zemstvo chair- man" cannot relax even on a holiday : he must make a trip to some village, hold meetings, explain mat- ters. And when the summer comes, matters do not become easier for that. There is the sowing cam- paign, the grain tax, the three fuel weeks, the navi- gation campaign. (By the way, during the present year the inhabitants of Kaluga used the river Oka for rafting timber,a thing that had not been prac- tised for a long time, and the results were very good.) Thus there is no rest even in summer. After all, to what "estate" would the present go- vernov" go for the «iUTnmcr? In the villa^re where Digitized by Google 202 SOVIET RUSSIA April 15, 1922 he was bom his hut has gone to pieces, his family is starving, and he is unable to help them — so it is better for him to stay away. The neighbors sneer at the family: "Well, why doesn't he help you to buy a little horse? After all, isn't he the govern- ment? The most important man in the province!" And at home they sometimes suppress a tear: "Other people succeed in improving their little farm; but we have nobody " This is how the new Russia and ite government lives and works. We are living in the very thick of life and have no opportunity merely to look on. What has chan- ged in the last four years? Everything around us has greatly changed. It will not be possible to drive provincial Russia back to the old stable. Let Prince Golitsyn stop thinking of his old ancestral linden trees, on which he threatens to hang the Communists of Kaluga. The linden trees will blossom just as well without him. Except that it is now a little gayer under the linden trees. The youth of Kaluga enjoy life there, and the village of Rosa Luxemburg organizes meetings and sociables under the linden trees, a thing which under the old masters could not even be dreamed of. I can foretell his destiny to Prince Golitsyn. He will perish somewhere in the gutter, after he has eaten up his last resources, abandoned even by his children. For the young princely generation will go back to Russia, they will obtain pardon from the baker Samsonov and the cobbler Dyudin and Aey will be accepted as members of the Commune Ihe Red Little Town", where the Golitsyns were born. The muzhiks of Kaluga are good-natured people, not like their princes. They will forgive the old wrongs, and will not hang anybody for the age- long oppression. **Work, Comrade Golitsyn, earn a piece of bread". The longing and the anguish of the Goliteyns may be felt from their papers publish^ abroad. We see there heart-stirring verses such as this: *The dust of Moscow on the band of an old hat" With tears of emotion the poet, while staying m Paris, looks at the remnants of the "dust of Mos- cow," all that remains of the thmgs he earned away. All the rest is gone to decay He feels himself attracted toward the earth of Moscow. He will not hold out, he will come back repentant and will kiss and cover with hot tears this earth that has assumed a new face, in torments and suffermgs. Dear Russia, the land of the Dyudins and Sam- sonovs who were bom in the village of P^tilence and at present live in the village of the Dekabnsts and the village of Rosa Luxemburg! Accept now, at the fourth anniversair of your life, a tender greeting from your sons, the fighters for your liberation! SCIENCE IN SOVIET RUSSIA {An interview with Prof. Pokravshy, Aid to Lunacharsky, on the Present State of Scientific In- stitutions in Soviet Russia.) The principal difficulties of the scientific institu- tions are due to the lack of scientific books, materials, chemical reagents, and biological speci- mens, which Russia always obtained from abroad, even before the war. ITie communications vdth scientific circles abroad, interrupted by the war, are gradually being restored. The exchange of scientific personnel is being carried on only in individual cases, but here also much is to be done in the near future. In spite of all the material difficulties, scientific work is still proceeding in Russia, not only in the sense that old problans are still being worked on, but that great scientific organizations are still being created. The last Soviet Exposition included exhibits of the results of the first expedition of the Floating Marine Observatory, which was stationed on the steamer Maligin, on the shores of Novaya Zemlya, and which made cruises in the Kara Sea, accompanied by the hydrobiologist Stemov, and the ichthy- ologist Soldatov. The expedition obtained much new and very interesting biological material. In the present year a new expedition is planned to Nadi Kobo, for zoological-geological investigations, also a botanical expedition to Surgat Tas, and a zoological expedition to Turkestan. The Geologic- al Society is sending an expedition to the peninsula of Taimir, to work for three years. The expedition to Karabugas Bay for ascertaining the position of Glauber salt deposits, as well as general hydro- graphic conditions, has not yet finished its work, nor has the meteorological expedition to Siberia. The expedition of Russian astronomers to the Indi- an Ocean and Australia, to observe the total eclipse of the sun in 1922, which is expected to answer several questions connected with Einstein's theory, is still being planned. On the subject of the ac- tivities of scientific institutions, Pokrovsky observes that most of the new scientific establishments are concerned chiefly with the study of specific regions of thfe Republic, in order to ascertain their pro- ductive forces and the ethnographical peculiarities. Among the new institutions, special attention should be given to the Petrograd Rontgen Institute, a model m its field, as well as to the Psycho-Neurolo- gical Academy, connected with the Academy of Fine Arts, for formulating the theory and psycho- logy of artistic creation. Scientific publishing houses issue journals and bulletins to make known the work done in the various institutions. In the course of this year a number of congresses will be held, which are to be of great unportancc f or the scientific life of Russia. Russian science has thus not only advanced from its level of the preceding years, but is also blazing new trails. Connections with Western Europe will impart a new and greater intensity of labor to the scientific institutions and the individual scientists. Digitized by Google^ April 15, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA 203 SOVIET RUSSIA Official Obcan of THE FRIENDS OF SOVIET RUSSU Published Send-Monthly 110 Weat 40th Street, New York, N. D«T9t«d t« aptmilag iafomudMi aboat RumU, wllk tk* •padfi* purpom of Infoxoetlaff American raadera oa th* iaatitatlMM •ad eoodidoiM In tkat eoutry. to that tb«7 may fael tha Meeaaity of baadlag every effort to fight the faalao that thraatana to doatroy the Rarolntion and iu aahlaramenta. OFFICERS OF THE FRIENDS OF SOYIET lUfBA ffMCvdve Commttftt Allaa S. Broaaa Caleb Harrlaea laa. P. Gannon Dr. Lao S. leiehol Dr. J. Wllankin Dr. J. W. HartiMaa. Trtrntmrn Dr. Wa. Mandalaon A. B. Martin* JVal*! Jaarelorr Wa. I. Foator Elaor T. AlUaoa Lsdwif Lore Prof. H. W. L. Dana Mazfoarita Preroy Ui c. - Roaa Paator Stokaa Hnlet M. Walla Waa. F. Dunne J. Loola Engdahl Dennla E. Ban AHoa Rigga Hunt Capt. Pazton Hlbhaa Chariaa Baker 1. O. Robert Miner Jaek Camay Mary Haatoa Twaa EUa Raara Hear Albert Rhya WllUaaa " C. Flyan r^ B. SHAW, in the last play in Back to Methu- ^^* selahy paints a society in which there will be only spiritual interests, where the only things at stake will be to determine whether Newton or Ein- stein, or — let us say — whether Charles Darwin or Alfred McCann, is right, in a word, where the suc- cess of the opposition does not imply the change of the social structure, the reenslavement of mil lions of people, and the certain death of hundrei of thousands of their champions. Soviet R has not yet reached that stage — it is still surround- ed by an entire world in arms, ready to Qftlack it at any moment; its strength is undermh^ed by a famine and its population, weakened 1/y the long struggle, is in despair and may give ^T willing ear to counter-revolutionary adventurers JWho will pro- mise them bread on condition that ^hey help exter- minate the Communists and reestalj^ligh the old or- der with some "democratic" ei is a situation such as was never government, and it may under the existing circumstance] emment should treat its morti|^l same consideration with whi( ponents of one's theoretical itieas. But it is exactly this imffossible thing that is expected from the SovietT Government. Some papers printed a telegram supposedly sent by Ana- tole France to Moscow, protesting against the con- templated trial of the Ceiftral Committee of the Party of the Social-Revol peal by a sincere friend o • taken as the occasion for] attack printed in the Ne Socialist Party. Even if the telegrar^ not be too severe wil bellishments. It teed by any other be expected that the Russian Gov- enemies with the one treats the op- tionists. And this ap- the worker's republic is a vicious and dishonest York daily organ of the was sent, we should Anatole France. The greatest living writer, perhaps the most brilliant thinker of modem times, who joined the French Communist Party as a protest against the infamy of the Peace of Versailles and of the intervention in Russia — if he really sent this telegram — would only once more have proved the contention that even the most penetrating mind may be moved at times by sentimental considerations. Anatole France once before exemplified this truth: during the war, notwithstanding all he had said about modem bourgeois civilization and democracy in his Opinions of Jerome Coignard, in Penguin Island, and elsewhere, he fell for the pro-dlied pro- paganda and sang the praises of "Great Britain, thou who lovest Justice." He has since thoroughly modified his views, and we are sure that he would never have sent out this appeal, had he known all the facts involved in the case. The facts in the <:ase were recently disclosed by two of the most, prominent members of the "per- secuted" party themselves. We are especially re- ferring here to a pamphlet published in Berlin by G. Semiono;(r (Vassiliev), formerly one of the chiefs of the terrorist fighting organization of the Social-Revolutionary Party, entitled *TTie Military and Fid&ting (terrorist) Activity of the Party of SociaLRevolutionists in 1917-1918," as well as to the aatements made by Lydia Konopleva, also one of jme most prominent terrorist organizers of that y (printed in Novy Mir, Berlin) author of the pamphlet who was undoubt- edly a fanatical champion of the bourgeois revolu- tion, and who himself organized the murder of some of the most devoted fighters of the working class, including Volodarsky, has becomb conscious at last of the bloody and dirty work he has done in the interest of world capitalism and a gang of ambitious and unscrupulous party leaders. This party, it transpires, was taking money from Russian capitalists and priests, from the German military Command, and from the French Mission in Russia. It organized the murder of Commissar Volodarsky and later repudiated in the press the participation of their party in this act Before the attempt made on Lenin's life by Dora Kaplan, they had to promise their "fighters", who were indignant over their base repudiation of the murder of Comrade Volodarsky, that they would not disclaim the attempt on Lenin — and neverthe- less they repudiated it again — for they knew that the Moscow workers would have simply torn to pieces every Social-Revolutionist who would have fallen into their hands. They, who never recog- nized the "legitimacy", from the revolutionary point of view, of appropriating money from the Tsar's treasury, organized armed robberies against the people's money — and also against private indi- viduals, imder the guise of "perquisition" — with the instruction to their adherents, in the case of failure, to represent themselves as common crimi- nals. They received explosives and infernal ma- chines from the French Mission and blew wp trains and bridges. Digitized by Google 204 SOVIET RUSSIA April 15, 1922 They did ail these things— not to speak of their connection with the Czecho-Slovak revolt, and the numerous peasant revolts — and they never gave up their opposition, and seem ready at any moment to combine dieir fight against the Soviet power with the same "spiritual" means — ^but the New York Call thinks that the Soviet Government has not the right to strike back, to defend its life, in a word, to keep a single political prisoner in its jails. Our idealistic contemporary says in fact: "But a government that is truly powerful, powerful in the soaee of the spirit as well as the letter, that is gen- uineiir^edlcated to the democratic ideal never has a political prisoner, and never has to resort to force and vi- olence to m^mtain its integrity against minority opinion." "Any gove^ta^t in the world, regardless of its tradi- tions, iu heroismT^JWKJtsvalor, that has one political pri- soner is not a free govBAncnt. Freedom means freedom, or it doesn't". a,^ These passages are reahj\Tevealing. They seem intended to convey the id^a that the leaders of the proletarian revolution had set up the con- tention that theirs is a "free government" (which is a contradiction in terms) — while a^ a matter of fact they always emphasized that theirs is an organization of coercion against those wl\o unceas- ingly, with all the most violent and mercil190 Aug Peterson, FriJay, Harbor, Wa^h 2.0O 5200 Mrs. M. Peel, Lawrence, L. 1., N. Y 3.00 5201 John McPhail, Evnnston, HI... 3.00 5202 Belle Oury, Cincinnatti, Ohio.. 2.00 5203 K. K. Bcrge. Granite Falls. Minn. 2.00 5204 Anna Hammer. RosHndale, Mass. 2.00 5205 Mary Ragoza. New Havea. Conn. 1.00 5206 Sam Abeshaus. New Bed ford, Masa 1-00 5207 Margaret M. Nelson, Urbana. lil. l.Oe 5208 F.S.R. Branch. Pursglov, W. Va. 150.00 5209 Coll. by Lawrence Poles. Sey- monr. Conn 20.00 5210 P. Harkoff, R. C, Sault Ste. Marie, Mich 20.00 5211 F.S.R. Branch, Peabody, Mass. 140.00 5212 Nick Markoff, R. C, Rockport, Wash 40.00 5213 Guido H. Marx, Sunford Univer- sity, CaL 25.00 5214 John Deikua, R. C. Chicajo. HL 20.00^ 5215 H. Kasser, R. C, Daly Oty. 5216 Albert Stenmo, Hatton, No. Dak. 10.00 Cal 10.00 5217 Dr. P. S. Haley, San Francisco, ai 5.00 5218 Charles Koerper. Oakland. Cal. 5.00 5219 Sam MilUgan, Sault Ste Marie, Out., Canada 5.00^ 5220 Max Hecht, R.C., N.Y.C 5.00 5221 F. J. Ahbol, Fall Riirer Mills. Cal 5.00 5222 J. Turchich. Cleveland, 5.00 5223 CoUector No. 14791, Caatle Rock, Waah 57.00 5224 F. S. R. Branch, Toledo, O.. 186.25 5225 Edwin Raai, R. C, Superior, Wis. 37.00 5226 H. G. Rosa. R. C, Glaoe Bay. Nova Scotia 22.35 5227 Cement Finishers Local 627, Lof Anfelea, Cal 17.50 5228 H. Eggerth. R. C, Mlnneapolia, Mhin 1C.50 5229 F. S. R. Branch, Rock Springs, Wyo 14.78 5230 Alonxo S. Paul, R- C, Gertrude, Waah 11.50 5231 F.S.R. Branch. Boston. Mass.. 175.00 5232 A. Pcteraon. R. C, Finland, Ontario 11-48 5233 Scott WllUns, R. C, Lima. O. 6.75 5234 C.W. Wallace, Jcnncr. CaL... 2.50 5235 M. J. Nanworth, R. C, Qcve- land. Ohio 6.0O 5236 C. Hoeckner, Chicago, 111 3.00 5237 John Rose, Owinga. W. Va... 3.00 5238 Henry Marak, St. Paul, Minn. 1.00 5239 S. Smith. N. Y. C LOO 5240 Logan S. EUia. Kelso, Waah... 2.00 5241 W. E. H. Porter, Towcner Co.. No. Dak 2.00 5242 J.M.McGlynn. Greenwich. Conn. 2.00 5243 Mary Fitch, De Kalb, lU 2.00 5244 Harvey Koch, Indianapolis. Ind. 2.00 5245 F. S. R. Branch, Indianapolis, Minn 78.00 5246 Famsworth, Wadsworth, Ohio. .70 5247 Max Slobodinuk. Lewiston. Me. 13.50 5248 I. Barmok, R. C. Scranton, Pa 2.45 5249 August Choat, Rockaway. N. I- 17.00 5250 Kasimer Gulitxky. Whitinaville. Mass 5.00 5251 Waiter * Cooks, List No. 15767, Hotel Chatham, N.Y.C 10.00 5252 Mr. & Mrs. Seifert, N.Y.C... 10.00 5253 Louis Lipshitx. N. Y. C 5.00 5254 F. G. ShalUnberger, R. C. San Francisco. Cal 15.00 5255 Geo D. Sauter. St. Lonia. Mo. 5.00 5256 D. B. Brummett, W. Vancouver, B. C. Canada 100 5257 Anonymous, Taft. Cal 1.00 5258 J. P. Grim, Kelso. Wash. 5,00 5259 J. Halblieb, EUxabeth. N. J... 2.00 5260 A.H. Robinson. Pittsburg. Pa. 1.00 5261 M. Spahr. N. Y, C LOO 5262 Chris Thompson, R. C. West Palm Beach. Fla 7.00 5263 George Weigand, Paaadena. Cal. 5.00 5264 John Herderich, SchenecUdy, N. Y 2.00 5265 Swan Johnaon. MaryaviUe. Wash ;•• 2.00 5266 Mrs. C. Goldberg. Los Angelea. Car. 10^ Digitized by Google 212 SOVIET RUSSIA April 15, 1922 Rec. So. Contributort Amount 5267 Mamct Robert Chiprin, Lm An- geles, Cal I.OO 5368 EImd Jelling, N.Y.C 6.00 5269 I. FUxucr, LUl 3371, Ster- Ung. N. J 16.00 5270 J. RubMoff, I. Dublin. H. Solo- mon, M. Davifl. R. Bersen & J. Tereloff, N. Y. (5. 33.00 52n Alfred W. Davia. N. Y. C o.OO 5272 Leopold Stein. List No. 1777, N. Y. C 3.40 5273 Kathleen Dighton, Hartadale. N. Y 1.00 5274 S. Boargainm. Montreal. Catt- ada. Canadian (S2.00) 1.90 5275 J. Jensen, R. C, Bridgeport. Conn. 11.00 5276 George Biedennan, R. C, Cin- cinnatti, Ohio 7.30 5277 N. Urw;n, R.C.. Spirit Ukc. Idaho 7.00 5278 Mary E. Boyd. Clereland. O... 5.00 5279 Chrie Schneider. Sandusky, O. S.OO 5280 Sheridan MorM. Ilion, N.Y.... 5.00 5281 John Podrick. R. C, Scranton. Pa. J.OO 5282 I. A. of M. No. 3S3. BeUeville. m 2.00 5283 W. S. & D. B. F. Br. 345, So. Owne Park, L. 1 2.00 5284 B. DalUrd, N. Y. C 2.00 5285 A. Merkl, New Orlcani, U... 1.00 5286 Clereland. Ohio I.OO 5287 Anonymous. Mt. Vernon, Wash. I.OO 5288 Anonymooa. N. Y. C 10.00 5289 August Adamek. Essington, Pa. 1.20 5290 Morris Fire. N. Y. C 3.00 5291 L. Emery Ecker, R. C, Saratoga Springs, N. Y 11.00 5292 Harry Nelson. Bay City rla OcosU, Waah 4.00 5293 Cari H. Nelson. Snoqualmie Falls Wash. 5.00 5294 Mrs. U. C. Norton. Homer, Alaska 5.00 5295 Inriof MiUstein. R.C., N.Y.C. 2.00 5296 Xsvier Woltzer, Patcrson, N.J. 1.00 5297 Domlnik Waltaer, Paterson, NJ. 1.00 5296 M. Middleton, Schenectady, N. T 1.00 5299 Chas. Lita, Sandusky, Ohio... 1.00 5300 Milton Harlan. San Francisco, Cal 1.00 5301 Art Waechtler, Racine, Wis... 1.00 5302 I. Furman, R.C., N.Y.C 11.00 5303 Vladimer Senchuk, N.Y.C 5.00 5304 Thos. Otsarik, Livingston, lU. 5.25 5305 Carl Engells. R. C, Lewiston, Me. 7.00 5306 N. Shaahoek, N.Y.C 5.00 5307 Annette J. Roberu, Milwaukee, Wis 10.00 5308 Anton LeIIup, R. C, San Fran- cisoo, Cal 3.00 5309 Crawford Bone, Fort Landerdale, Fla 1.00 5310 Frank Voigt. Fort Landerdale. Fla 1.00 S511 Elmer Kline, Indianapolis, Ind. 1.00 5312 I. J. Koshekevich. R.C.. Newark. N. J 100.00 5313 Russian Ed. Club. Lynn. Mass. 50.00 5314 Julius Parfenowich. R. C, El- wood aty. Pa 21.00 .S31S Andrew Vertunoff, R. C, Belmar, N. J 22.00 5316 H. Cbnltnan, R. C, Phillippi. W. Va 56.28 5317 Sam Drenuk, R. C, Chicago. Ill 23.2.1 5318 Vincent Lercowich, R.C., Wes- terly, R. 1 21.50 5319 John Koshel. Whiting. Ind... i l..)0 5320 M. Skaly, R. C, Central Falls. R. 1 10.00 5321 John M. Jkoch, R. C, Manvillc. N. J ai.50 5322 Frank Chomictzky, R. C, Lyn- dora, Pa 10.2.S 5323 D. Sirridon, Ashley, Pa 137.00 5324 S. Kasperorich, Mcriden, Conn. 44.00 5325 E. Bondorer. R. C. Esmond, R. 1 21.00 5326 Vincent Furso, R. C. Dickson. Pa 15JJ0 5327 Kscnia Fnis, Sault Ste Marie. Ont. Canada 1'..00 5428 Dan Bclokon, R. C. Niagara FgIU. N. Y 6.50 5329 Geo. P. Griffiths, Anchorage. Alaska 2.50 5330 Donald MacDonald, Anchorage. 5.00 Rec. At). Contributort Amount 5331 Frank S. Houston, Anchorage, AlMka 20.00 5332 Dr. E. F. German, Anchorage, Alaska 15.00 5333 John Weber, R. C.:, St. Louis, Mo 28.75 5334 W. W. Whalen, R. C, Buffalo. OUa 19.39 5335 Geo. Renner, R. C, Springfield, Ohio 5.50 5336 Mrs. Geo. Gundcr, Brownstown. Ind 5.00 5337 Harriet Curry Oleson, Chicago. Ill 2.00 5338 V. Gronlund, Timmins, Ont.. Canada 2.00 5339 Coll. by Jessie Slater Sachs. New Haven, Conn 5.00 5340 Arthur Koppisch, Elisabeth, N. J 1.00 5341 B. of P. D. & P. of A. No. 261, N. Y. C 400.00 5342 F.S.R. Branch. Buffalo, N.Y... 400.00 5343 D. L. K. Vytanto Drongyrte of So. Boston, Mass 100.00 5344 F.S.R. Branch, Muskegon, Mich. 75.00 5345 Coll. Henry Joki, Antti Lemp- inen, Fairbanks, Alaska 50.00 5346 Jas. P. Reid. R. C, Providence. R. 1 32.00 5347 George Schnehle, Seattle. Wash 25.00 5348 JuUus Deter, Louisville, Ky... 25.00 5349 A. Judelovits. Denver, Col 25.00 5350 H. B. Cooper. Balboa Heighta, Canal Zone 22.00 5351 Ivan A. Svidla, R. C, Newark. N. J 22.00 5352 F. Friedfcrtig, R. C. San Fran- cisco. Cal 22.00 5353 F.S.R. Branch. Tiffin, Ohio 21.00 5354 Kriato Masheff. R. C. IndUna- polls, Ind 13.00 5355 John Krauen. San Francisco. Cal. 20.00 5356 Chester Barr, Penticlon. B. C. Canada— (Canadian $2.00) 1.90 5357 Morris WaUon. R. C. Toronto. Canada— (Canadian $14.25) 13.54 5358 F. S. R. Branch, Detroit. Mich. 494.15 5359 Hung. Sick Benefit Society 16, Detroit, Mich 50.00 5360 F. S. R. Branch. Gary. Ind.. 200.00 5361 M. L. Lorcnts, R. C, N. Y. C. 18.00 5362 J. P. Haven. R. C, Casmalia. Cal 14.00 5363 Mrs. Estelle Sedgwick, Chicago, 111 10.00 5364 F. S. R. Br, Providence, R. I. 450.00 5365 Helen Freeman, N. Y. C 200.00 5366 Wm. C. Weber, Detroit, Mich. 90.00 5367 Henry A. Gorin. N. Y. C 80.00 5368 Francis Fisher Kane, Philadel- phia. Pa 35.00 5369 Reuil Clerk's Union No. 219. BelleviUe, 111 25.00 5370 Jeff Thompson, R. C, Stcge. Cal 10.00 5371 Chas. C. Land, Ferguson, Mo. 10.00 5372 E. Fuog, Chicago, 111 10.00 5373 J. T. SunderUn. N. Y. C 10.00 5374 Alex J. Pauhl. Chicago, 111... 10.00 5375 Dr. A. P. Shultx. N. Y. C 10.00 5376 George A. Pfciffcr, Palisade. 10.00 N. J 5.00 5377 J. F. Ritt. N. Y. C .5.00 5378 Dr. Sidney B. Levy. N. Y. C. 15.00 5379 Vladimir Baritsky. Chicago. 15.00 5380 Dr. William Thalimer. Mil- waukee. Wis 10.00 5381 M. Egordick. Lists No. 15048-61, Hint. Mich 83.9 5382 S. Boyko. R.C., Kent, Ohio.. 3.00 5383 Labor Lyceum Ass'n. Bethle- hem, Pa 10.00 5384 Women's Club of the People's Church. Cincinnati, Ohio 5.0 5385 F. Mercwcther & Jas. J. Dunn, R. C, Riverside, R. 1 5.00 5386 David F. Hall. R. C, Turlock, Cal 5.00 5387 Dr. Fred E. Conover. R. C. West New York, N. J 5.00 5388 G. E. Finch, Grand Rapids, Mich 5.00 5389 John Lindc, R. C. Minneapo- lis, Minn 24.00 5390 Amcr. Fed. of Full Fashioned Hosiery Workers, Fort Wayne, Ind -18.78 ri391 Dan Danielson, R. C, Mora. Minn 18.00 Rec. No. Contribmior$ Amount 5392 Edward Wall. R.C.. Pueni*. Calrf 17.0i 5393 G. R. Cole. R. C. Sioux City. Iowa 16.00 5394 Mrs. NclUe E. Gamble. Centralia Waah 8.08 5395 S. S. J. Ososto, R.C.. Kenosha, Wis 5.90 5396 Peter Frank. R. C, Lynn. Mass. 5.45 5397 Union County— Central Labor Union— Cancelled S.OO 5398 Mrs. Wm. H. Weeden, Elizabeth, N. J iM 5399 Walter S. Mitchell. Encanto, CaJ 3.00 5400 Louis Hochheim, R. C. Chicago, Ul 46.50 5401 Famine Relief Committee, As- toria. Ore fc3.49 5402 F.S.R. Branch, EUaabeth, NJ. 131.13 5403 M. Michailovsky, R. C, South River, N. J 18.50 5404 Mrs. Ella Stepson. R. C, Sister- TiUe. W. Vs 5.50 5405 Paolo Ficarotta. Tampa, Fla... 8.2S 5406 M. Barraclongh, Keyser. W. Va. 3.50 5407 E. D. MitcheU. B. C, Leese, Wash 3.21 5408 Walter Butler. R. C, W. Du- luth, Minn 2.50 5409 T. Wcingart, R.C.. N.Y.C 1.50 5410 Ernest Schwarta, Jr., R. C. St. Louis, Mo 1.50 5411 F.S.R. Branch. aeveUnd. Ohio 238.00 5412 F.S.R. Branch. SchenecUdy. N. Y 150.00 Sil3 W. K. Gold & Frank Theobold. Youngwood. Pa. 7.00 5414 Frank Stretsel. R. C. Sioux City, Iowa 7.00 5415 Herbert Mathwig. R. C. Oah- kosh. Wis 5.00 5416 Arbeiter Kranken A Sterbekasse Br. 299, St. Louis. Mo 5.00 5417 Albert Keitel, John Rathlye, C. D. Schultz, Laoombe, Alberta.. 8.00 5418 I. Perietein. New Ylrk Cit).. 5.00 5419 Fred Belmas, White Blains, N.Y. 5.00 5420 A. Suikkonen, Maynard. Mass. 5.00 5421 F. O. Hyrari. R. C, Fart Bragg, Cal 42.50 5422 F.S.R. Branch, Everett, Wash. 39.37 5423 Cancelled, ssned by mistake 5424 Felix J. Seachura. Waterman, Pa 34.30 5425 David T. Ross. ColL San Joa- quin Co.. Cal 32.50 5426 Waino National Home Ass'n. Brule, Wis. 56.87 5427 The Future's Hope, Rockford, Ul.I 87.10 5428 Cancelled, Issned by mistake 5429 Tony Baronoff, List, Raymond, Wash 45.50 5430 Georges Bruneel. R. C.. Rose- dale Camp. Alberta. Canada . . 37.50 5431 Ruth Bluhm, Baltimore. Md.. 1.25 5432 Dennis Kokalis, R. C. Chlcag), Ul, 2.25 5433 L. I. Fortin, R. C, San Fran- cisco, Cal 2.50 5434 Cancelled, Issued by mistake. 5435 F.S.R. Branch. Fargo. N.D... 22.88 5436 F.S.R. Branch. Seattle, Wash. 18.25 5437 F.S.R. Branch, Centralia, Wash. 16.01 5438 Members of B. S. A A, U. No. 12646. N. Y. C 18.75 .'^439 S. Grishko, Chicago, 111 16.50 r*140 I. W. Coleman, R. C. Chicago. I" 23.50 '141 Cancelled, Issued by mistake. r,i42 Bakery & Conf. Workers Int. Union, Newark, N. J 12.50 r>J43 J. L. Shorp, R. C. Live Oaks. Ca\ 10.15 r,M4 S. A. Stockwell. R. C, Minnca- polis, Minn 32.00 5445 E. Curvetch & A. Steed. Waco. Texas 10.50 .'it 16 A. Lnndbcrg. R. C.. Minneapo- lis, Minn 4.2S r-in Jiw. Moran. R. C, Richmond. Cal 2.50 5448 S. Hammcrsmark, R.C., Chicago. "1 3.50 rU9 S.V. Merle. R.C.. Hoff. Ore... 2.50 5430 Christian Fehler. R. C, Earli- mart, Cal 12. 5# 5151 Armas Randall, R. C, Aberdeen. Wash 103.06 'I'i2 Fdward Rinjs. R. C. Downs. ^»«h S.S# Digitized by Google April IS, 1922 SOVIET RUSSIA 213 Rec. No. Comributort AmouM S453 W. O. BMithin, R. C. Camu. Wa4u *'W> 5434 1. Knlik, R.C.. N.Y.C 7.75 5455 W. R. Chenaak, R. C, Hopkins, llian 10.75 5456 H. D. HarkncM. R. C, Liberty. Wash. 10.50 5457 Theodore Nyman, List, Ironwood. Mich 10.05 5458 William Ueaej, R. C, TorUe- creek. Pa. 11.50 5459 M. Krydd, R. C. Sacramento. CaL 12.25 3460 S. Sjootand. R. C. Terrace. B. C. Canada 17.40 5461 Henry Blngerman. R. C, To- ronto, Ont.. Canada 29.75 5462 Mike Vidakowich. R. C. Zieg- ler. m 29.50 5463 George Bolder, R. C. Cleason. Wia. 20.35 5464 John KoraU. Panama. Ul 10.00 5465 John O. /Krof chick, Springfield, U^ 9.00 5466 Attgatt Breclunan, D. H. Crook, Mn. Pyret. Riverside. Cal 11.00 5467 Henry Baer. York, Neb 1.00 5468 Patrick Keams. Forks. N.Y... 1.00 5469 F. E. Smith. R. C. Tacson. Ariaona 1.00 5470 A. Kampmder, Iowa Oty. tiowa 1.00 5471 John Lehtinen. R. C. Chisholm, Minn I.O 5472 Int. Moulder's Union No. 220, BeUerille, Ul 1.00 5473 W. A. Maerts. Antigo. Wia... 2.00 5474 I. Benjaminsen. R. C, Minnea- polis. Minn 2.00 5475 Aostin Baadreau, Attleboro. Mass. 2.00 5476 William Bradley. R. C, Buf- falo, N. Y 2.00 5477 M. Bartnick. R. C. Memphis. Tenn 2.00 5478 Jacob Berger. Madison, Wis... 2.00 5479 Mrs. Mary List, Manzanola, Col. 1.00 5480 B. F. Bickerstaff, Fort Collins. Col 1.00 5481 Yetu Land, R. C, Oereland Heights, Ohio 43.50 5482 George Doblinsky. Moline, lU. 62.50 5483 Andrew C. & Isabel Paynton. Newport, Wash 2.00 5484 Maude L. R. Kaufman, Bel- Ungham, Wash 2.00 5485 C. Schaler. R. C, Little Rock, Ark 2.00 3486 G. O. Werth, R. C. Bandon, Ore. 2.00 5487 Thomas Coon. Wharton. N. J. 2.00 5488 Walford, Johnson, R. C. Dan- Tille. Wash 2.00 5489 C.P. Deykin. R.C., Fort George. B. C. Canada 2.00 5490 F.W. Weiss, San Francisco, Cal. 2.00 5491 WJ. Arthur, R.C.. Poruge Wii. 2.00 5492 Clara R. D. & A. W., O'Con- nell, R. C. Portland. Ore 10.00 5493 Frances Tnrkut, N.Y.C 3.00 5494 Abraham Rosenbaum, R. C. N. Y. C 3.00 5495 J. J. Masten. Contr. from School Children, Ciascow Janet.. Ky. 3.00 5496 Mrs. A. C. Otto. Otto Schu- man. R. C. Grand Rapids, Wis 3.00 5497 Arthur Andricssen. R. C, Cin- dnnatti, Ohio 3.00 5498 Sara V. Schelnberg. R. C. N. Y. C 3.00 5499 Askel Larsen. New Bedford. Mass. 3.00 5500 Mrs. Annie Daris. Cumberland. B. C, Canada 3.00 .S501 A. Wayteck. N. Y. C 2.00 5502 Rose I. Zelterman. R. C Chel- sea, Mas*. 20.00 5503 E. Raps. San Francisco, Cal... 3.00 5504 Theodore Lund, Jtfinneapolis, Minn 1.00 5505 J. A. Robinson. Tampa. Fla... 2.00 5506 Anonymous, proceeds of Ger- man Coupons, Arlington. Biass. .40 5507 Marguerite McNally. Rock Island. ni 50 3508 Coll. by Nettie Moscow, R. C. N. Y. C 7.50 5509 Wm. J. F. Hanneman, R, C, Pompton Plains, N. J 4.50 5510 J. BobakinofT. Astoria. L.L.. 20.00 ^511 C. A. Brown. Pinkham. Sask. CaM^ (Caa«dian $11.00).... 10.45 5512 5513 5514 5515 5516 5517 5518 5519 5520 5521 5522 SS2S 5524 5525 5526 5527 5528 5529 5530 5531 5532 5533 5534 5535 5536 5537 5538 5539 5540 5541 5542 5543 5544 5545 5546 5547 5548 5549 5550 5551 5552 5553 5554 5555 5556 5557 5558 5559 5560 5561 5562 5.'63 r.564 5565 5566 5567 5568 5560 5570 Vo. Contributors A. N. Pesoer. R. C, Montreal, Can (Can. $10.00) W. E. Lack. Revelstoke, B. C, Canada.... (Can. $5.00) Dr. James J. McVey. Haverhill, Mass Ellas Avmitrky. Brooklyn, N.Y. Henri De Bidder, N.Y.C K. H. Labgard, Litchfield. Neb. Thomas Holmes. Pasadena, Cal. Mary Gcrenacer, N.Y.C Zack Hoison, Canton, Ohio.... Marie FjerU, E. Sunwood, Wash Clara Cos, B'klyn, N. Y Mrs. Emil Pearson. Cook. Minn. Vasily Sursky. N. Y. C International Youths Committee, N. Y. C John Sutaruk, Brooklyn. N. Y. S. E. Weisfeld, R. C. Brook- lyn, N. Y Henry Golsch. R. C. San Fran- Cisco. Cal Chas. Henrick. R. C. San Fran- cisco, Cal Wro. Galita, R. C. Chicago. ni F. H. Sanderson, R. C, Lynn, Mass. Peter Rosche, Massillon. Ohio S. Dsvis. R.C.. N.Y.C C.W. Hinnenberg. Albany, Cal. Cus Wagner. Huntingburg. Ind. J. E. Keniston, R. C, Berkeley. Cal Mr. & Hrs. A. Hickcy. R. C. East Boston, Mass James S. Van Horn. R. C. Pottstown. Pa ." " v William Liebow»ts, R. C, N. Y. C Casimir Kostixcwski, R. C, Chi- cago, 111 • • • • Eugene B. McQure, R. C, Frc- mont. Neb J. F. Nugent, R. C, Baltimore. Md ••••• E.E. Aldrich, Brattlcboro, Vt... Sunley C. Williams. Chevy Chsse. Wash. D. C........... A. Arbogast, Bickmore, W. Va. A. Munkens, Newsrk, N. J... Ernes Fishor, Nework. N. J... Mrs. Anna Bark, R. C, Ws.b- ington. D. C • • • • • Erland Gilberg, R. C, San Fran- cisco, Cal •••• Anonymous. San FrancUco. Cal. Velia Johnson, R. C, Arnold. Mich L. Sachs. N. Y. C ..••• August Miller, Omaha, Neb... T. W. Morgan. San Francisco. Cal '^"r" Benj. Smith, R. C Charlotte. jtf n sinj." Smith. R. C. Chariotie. Aionymous, Bethlehem, Pa Arthur Lovac, acero, 1". •• F. S. R. Branch, Rochester, N*. Y •: ;;• S. A. Stockwell. Minneapolis. Minn '""^"' Fred Upplc, R. C.. So. Pasa- dena, Cal S. A. Lubin & Wife. Vancouver, B. C, Canada C. Draubcrick. R. C. Caspar. Wrndcil HnM. Cleveland. Ohio Alpx Mohlberg. R. C, San Pedro. Cal T. Levinc, R. C. Edgewater. Col *•■;••' T. Levinc. Edsfwater. Col J. W. Kirk. R. C Sask.. Can- S.*A. Criinc. R. C Lomiia. Cal J. Prariniky. B. C Los An- geles, Cal Amoumt 9.50 4.75 5.00 2.00 3.00 2.00 1.00 2.00 1.00 1.00 I.OO 1.00 5.00 22.00 2.00 25.00 25.00 10.00 flf.OO 5.00 5.00 3.00 3.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 2.00 1.00 1.00 5.00 9.00 1.00 1.00 150.00 100.00 75.00 50.00 50.00 50.00 17.75 16.25 32.00 1.00 5.00 Rec. No, CoHtribmtart 5571 Emma B. Waters, R. C. Los An- geles, Cal 1.00 5572 Dolores Johuson, R. C Los Angeles, Cal LO* 5573 Elizabeih Heuron, R. C Los Angeles, Cal 2.0* 5574 J. R. Ronung.. R. C, Los An- geles, Cal l.» 5575 Hanna Jensen, R. C, Los An- geles. Cal 5.00 5576 L. M. Whitside. R. C. Los An- gclcs, Cal l.« 5577 C. F. Walker, R. C Lorranee, Cal 3.0« 5578 Chas. M. Suit. R. C, Lamlu, Cal IW 5579 H. D. Marth. R. C, Redondo Beach, Cal LOO 5580 A. F. Forquhas. R. C, LomiU. Cal 1«> 5581 J. WiUacy. R. C. LomlU ,Cal. 1.00 5582 LJ. Huber, R.C., LomiU, Cal. 1.00 5583 G. A. Crettinden, R. C, Lomita. Cal >W 5584 Sute Bank of LomiU, R. C, LomiU. Cal ^00 5585 Stephen Vigh. R. C, Tallejo, Cal 25.00 5586 G. Shucoff, Whiting, Ind 24.00 5587 Frank A. Pitt, R. C, Ofo- land, Ohio 21.00 5588 O.R. Riser, R.C., Baltimore. Md. 20.00 5589 John A. Guftafson. R. C, Fort Bragg. Cal 20.00 5590 C.C. iUnsley, Kenwood. ff.Y... 25.00 5591 C. B. Arnheim, R. C. Las An- geles. Cal 20.00 5592 Geo. Whiting. Lost Creek. Wash. 4.00 5593 H.M. Knudson. ParUer. CaL.. 5.00 5594 O.P.Waldon. Spokane. Waah... 5.00 5595 E. B. Vaughan. Coeur d'Alene, Ida 5.00 5596 David Porter, Spokane. Wash.. 1.00 5597 W. L. Forrest, R. C, Jones- Tille, Wis l^W 5596 Mrs. G. H. McNeil. R. C We- natchee, Waah JJ.W 5599 V. Laffargo, R.C. Barre, Tt... 18,00 5600 W. G. Kidwell. R. C Jackson, Mich 17.00 5601 A. Nelson, R. C. Sioux Qty. Iowa 16-00 5602 Paul Shappek. R. C, Seamon. Pa .•••• 15.00 5603 A. M. Gunneson, R. C Oak- land, Cal 15.00 5604 Mrs. Burton Knisely, Los An- geles. Csl 15.00 5605 B. Wyman, R. C aeveUnd. Ohio 150« 5606 D. Christensen, R. C, Chicago. m •• "•«» 5607 F. M. Dormedonl, R. C, Ala- meda. Cal 12.00 5608 Miss Aldona Minkus. R. C Los Angeles. Cal H-OO 5609 B. J. Lifman. R. C Arborg, Manitoba. Canada ".w 5610 Dean R. Brimhale. N.T.C 10.00 5611 W. Frueh. R.C. Bell Air. Md. 10.00 5612 S. Christensen, R. C Oakland, Cal 1"'^ 5613 Frank Flag, R.C, Modesto, Cal. 10.00 5614 M. S. Firschfield. M. D.. Dn- loth, Minn 10.00 5615 Chas. Foster, R. C, San Fran- Cisco, Cal 1000 5616 Wm. P. Surr. R. C, Chicago. ^^ ^ 5617 Thf Hous" of Naimon. R. C, Chicago, ni ;••••••• 11'^ Wa Isabel J. Clark, aevelsnd. O. 10.00 5619 A. B. Haves. R. C Redding, Cal 1<^00 5620 R. C MclviH^. Bonner. Mont... 10.00 5621 Robert Coleman. Leavenworth, Wa.h ••••••• • 5622 F. S. R. Brsnrh. PhlladelpWa. p. ®-oo %62B John Michselson. List. Doluth. Minn «-U- •«„•; •^624 Chas. T. WillUms. R. C. Hfll- top. Nev e*:.:!;:-.'--' 'W525 W. S. * D. B. F.. Springfield, ni ^-^ Digitized by Google 214 SOVIET RUSSIA April 15, 1922 Mm. N: Cotaributon Jl«e. N: Comi ri ku t ors 5626 Fnnk Brecka. R. C, Seabeck, Moot. 7.00 5627 Fred D« Boyer, R.C., San Pedro, C«l 6.00 5628 W. E. Wienekamp. Toledo. 0. S.OO 5629 A. Fergio. R.C.. Detroit. Mich. 5.00 5630 R. Tschulec, R. C. Cinannati. Ohio S.OO 5631 P.F. BriMcnden. R.C.. N.Y.C.. 5.00 5632 U. M. W.. of A. No. 859. Bel- lerille. U\ 5.00 5633 Muncie Trade* Couucil, Muncie, Ind 5.00 5634 I. U. Noaoritch. K. C. Cotate. CaL 5.00 5635 H. Aaw>n. R. C. Port Moody, B. C. Canada 5.00 5636 Boot & Shoo Worker* Union. Sheboygan. Wi» 5.00 5637 Edwin C. Balzin. R. C. Chicago. lU 5.00 5638 W. J. Sticht. R. C. Clovers- vUlc, N. Y 5.00 5639 T. J. Wagner. R. C. Dnlvth. Minn 5.00 5640 Dr. P. S. Haley, San Francisco. CaL 5.00 5641 John Bmnsell. R. C. Oakland. Cal 5.00 5642 E. McUnghlin. R. C. Miaaion aty. B. C. Canada 5.00 5643 HJ. Moore. Oakland. Cal S.OO 5644 J. V. Kalachny. Fort Cobb. Okla 5.00 5645 Jos. ShomU. Vallejs. Cal 5.00 5646 Biahop Brown. D. D.. GaUon. Ohio 50.00 5647 T.M. Naglo. WealeyriUe. Pa... 10.00 5648 Hra. Olga Krauae, £. Ererett. Masa. 10.00 5649 Henry A. Dolge. DolgeriUe. N.Y. 5.00 5650 A.J. Wraight, Ft. Wayne. Ind. 2.00 5651 John KadU. B.C.. N.Y.C 7.50 5652 Chaa. Eiaenberg. R. C, Roche*- ter. N. Y 1.00 5653 Wm. Kuatke. R. C. Rochester. N. Y 2.00 5654 Rich Boecker. R. C. Roches- ter. N. Y 1.25 5655 H. A. Rothmund— Memory of B. M. R.. R3che*ter. N. Y... 8.25 5656 Benj. Harrow. B.C.. N.Y.C... 41.50 5657 Victor Maki. R. C. Dunbar. Minn 5.50 5658 Cha*. Palmiter. Stoneboro. Pa. 1:50 5659 Steren Homick. R.C.. Nelfa. O. 32.92 5660 Anton Holtx. R.C.. N. Y. C... 10.75 5661 Samuel I. Gellen*. R.C.. N.Y.C. 5.00 5662 Joaeph PoIan*hek. R.C. San Franciaco. Cal 5.00 5663 Wm. Kley. Denver. Col 5.00 5664 Chaa. Shestoko*. R.C.. San Fer- nanda. Cal 3.00 5665 W. S. ft D. B. F. Br. No. 259 R. C. Syracuse. N. Y 2.00 5666 J. Dubek. R. C. Wilkea-Barre. Pa 1.00 5667 Kathleen Dighton. H&rtwlale. N. Y 1.00 5668 A. GottUch. R.C. N.Y.C 1.00 5669 W. C. Pierce. R. C. Carlin- Wile, ni 1.00 5670 Adrian Lenyendyk. R. C. Z«e- land. Mich 1.00 5671 A. Bankowaki. R. C. Akron. 0. 14.75 5672 WiUUm Serochuk. R.C. N.Y.C 62.75 5673 Augnat Mencke. R.C.. Cleveland Ohio 15^00 5674 Elisabeth R. Fondiller. R. C. N. Y. C 10.00 5675 Dorothy Kenyon. N. Y. C 10.00 5676 John Seppahammer. R. C. Prince Roppert. B. C. Canada 76.00 5677 F.S.R. Branch. West Frankfort. Ill 20.00 5678 John S. Cookerly, R. C. Lo* Angele*. Cal 20.00 5679 Mrs. F. H. Page. R. C, Can- tuar. Saak. Canada 9.00 5680 W. S. ft D. B. F.. San Fran- ciaco. Cal 5.00 5681 Thos. Stevenson. R. C. Atas- cadero. Cal 5.00 5682 Wlsqually. Tacoma. Wash 5.00 5683 Frank J. Roubal, Waodatock. ni 5.00 5684 Valeria Melts. R. C. So. Hol- land, ni. 1 5.00 5685 H. England. R. C. OaUand. Gal 5.00 Angelea. ai 5.00 5686 Harry E. Oleniler. R. C. Loa 5687 Carrie S. Koch. N. Y. C 2.00 5688 Oscar Wiltaniemi. Uat. Clinton. Ind 76-75 5689 Ceo. A. Louthan, R. C, Troy. Ohio 33.50 5690 Joaeph Abasorini. R. C, Nan- ticoke. Pa 27.50 5691 S. Sotnick. R. C. Central Falla. R. 1 23.00 5692 CUra Shlpkin. R.C. N.Y.C... 10.85 5693 N. M. Iriah. R. C. Rocheater. N. Y 7.60 5694 R. W. McDermott, R. C. Fre- mont. Ohi» 7.50 5695 Leon Leighton. Turlock. Cal... 7,50 5696 S. Huchnik, N. Y. C 5.00 5697 E. A. Lincoln. ArUngton. Mas*. 2.00 5698 Rev. L. Huendling. R.C.. Breda. Iowa 1.00 5699 Stanley Flemmer. San Francisco. Cal 1.00 5700 NJ. Baranchnk. Olean. N.Y... 2.00 5701 J. Earl. Heinlah. Millvale. Pa... 1.00 5702 O. Carlson. R. C. Concord. N. H 11.50 5703 LeRoy A. Jayne. R. C. Casper, Wyo 10.00 5704 Belle Robins. Coll., N.Y.C... 7.00 5705 Leo Paulcer. R. C. Alice Arm. B. C. Canada 89.50 5706 Blax Slobodnick. Lewiston, Msino 3.7S Wight. England 6.45 5707 Susan E. Penson. R. C. Isle of 5708 John Olson. R. C. Crawford Bay. B. C. Canada (Can. fl.OO) 95 5709 Peter Knight. Wm. Kenedy, R. C Radway Conter, AlberU. Cbnada 95 5710 Theoline Scott. R. C. Terrace, B. C, Canada 32.00 5711 Henry Jorgenaen. S. Holt. R. C. Seal, Alberta. Canada.... 119.00 5712 Matti Lehtinen. Aahtabula. 0. 41.45 5713 F. S. R. Branch, Eaat Liverpool. Ohio 12^75 5714 Hjalmer Vaahtera. Suomi, Minn. 11.10 5715 Marthin Rydell. R. C, Hoquiam. Waah 25.00 5716 Wasiley Yonko. R. C. Hart- ahome. Okla 40.00 5717 Kiprian Kuritchik, R. C. Ce- dar Rapids. Iowa 35.00 5718 Joseph Kostevich, R. C. New- port, N. H 33.00 5719 Alfons Shundion, R. C & CoU.. Millford. Mass 32.00 5720 John NIcholI*. R. C. Grant Town. W. Va 29.00 5721 John Leona. R. C, Galveaton, Tex 30.0 5722 S. G. Wolkoff, R. C. Muniaing. Mich 21.00 5723 C E. Gobnis. Ust No. 9383. Eureka, Cal 20.0 5724 S. Gurin. R.C, Fall River Maas. 17.00 5725 FiUip Neater. R. C. Saginaw. Mich 17.00 5726 F. S. R. Branch. Wilkes-Barre. Pa 16.00 5727 I. Maznk. Battle Creek. Mich. 15.00 5728 George C^rapaine. R. C. Man- hattan Beach. B'klyn. N.Y.C... 8.00 5729 Fcodor Olmashkin. R. C, Mel- rose Park. Ill 7.00 5730 Nesefor Tereshkov. R. C. Geor- piaville. R. 1 21.25 5731 Feodor Martesuh. R.C., Ellwood aty, Pa 29.75 5732 Parry Stadnick, R. C, Blamie. Ohio 84.6 5733 Philip Linovich. R. C. Herrick. Ohio 17.75 5734 Victor Kfisekow, Lista. Sasiinaw W. S., Mich 52.91 5735 G. Wolkoff, R. C, EUwood City, Pa 22.75 5736 Joa. Wolkow. R. C, Timmina. Oot. Canada 58.60 5737 Trofim Pazichuk, R. C, Lincoln. Pa 16.75 5740 Jacob Kinboff, R. C, Sharon. Pa 27.25 5711 John Chotik. R. C. Williman- tic. Conn 49.30 N. H 217.50 5738 E. Pechkoroff, R. C, Indianola. Pa 5.50 5739 W. Sikorsky. R. C. Mill Hall. JUc N^, C0ntribmmn Am 5742 A. Carmasin, R. C, Shazsn, Pa. 12.75 5743 W. GembarowaU, R. C, Flaher- rille, Maas. ^.70 5744 Paul DubrowaU, R. C, Akron, Ohio 17.50 5745 Anton Vaailen. R. C, Eanood, R. I a-50 5746 M. Baboriek. R. C Kent, O. 10.85 5747 J. Kodck. FarreU, Pa 18.27 5748 Waaley Habruiaa. R. C Beebe River, N. H 110.50 5749 NikiU Dnbina. R. C Alvon. O. 27.50 5750 Philip Petroff, Uata, ICaavilla, R. I. 252.65 5751 Fire Steel S. S. Osasto, On- tonagon, Mich 19.40 $752 John H. KeUy, R. C, Boiling- ham, Wash 1.00 5753 John A. AUen, BUUnga, Mont. 51.50 5754 F.W. Reed, Cambridge, Mass... 1.00 5755 S. A. Nelson. R. C, GalUtiin. p^ S.OO 5756 F.S.R. Brsnch. Seatde, Wash... 200.00 5757 F.S.R, Branch, Qnincy. Masa... 100.00 5758 Workers Party, Warren, 81.00 5759 F. S. R. Branch, San Frandsco. CaU 50-00 5760 L. TiUey. R. C, Ranwon. Kans. 50.00 5761 Dr. E. J. Rahrer, Los Angelsa. CaL 50.00 5762 Wm. S. U'ren, Portland. Ore.. 25.00 5763 Workmens Circle Br. 116, New RocheUe. N. Y 18.00 5764 F.S.R. Branch, Bronx. N.Y.C 17.00 5765 John Kadla. R.C.. N.Y.C 14.00 5766 Otto A. Kocer, R.C, Squantnm, Maaa 1S.0O 5767 Charles Baer, R. C. Rico, CoL 11.55 5768 William Fleming, R. C, Mor- ningside. Alberta. Canada 10.00 5769 T. A. Heldal. R.C. Yeoford. Al- berta. Canada 10.00 5770 Nicolas Keller. R. C. Mexico aty. D. F., Mexico 10.00 5771 Judith Kakonen. List. Qnincy. Msss 8.00 5772 Wm. M. Krumhalti. BulTalo. N. Y 7.00 5773 Nick Cvjetkovich, LiUy, Pa 5.00 5774 Dr. Fay ^wearingen, Salina. Kaoa 10.00 5775 M. H. Uvingston. R. C, Rox- bury, Maaa 5.00 5776 Richard Petachlu. Camden, NJ. 5.00 5777 Ida H. Williams, Greensburg. Pa. 5.00 5778 Mrs. Ellen R. Nsgle, Wesleyville « Pa 5.00 5779 G. Kohler, Weat Valley. N.Y... 5.00 5780 F. H. Steinmets, R. C, Ber- keley, Cal 5.00 5781 Mrs. A. Cohen. R. C, San Fran- cisco. Cal 5.00 5782 Mrs. aara Kuensi. Watertown. WU 5.00 5783 C Jenisen. Oakland, Cal 5.00 5784 H. C MitcheU, R. C, Cumber- land. B. C. Canada 5.00 5785 Louia Miller, R. C. Peterson. N. J 4.00 5786 F. Solomon. R. C, Everson, Waah. 4.00 5787 Union Labor Advocate, Elisa- beth. N. J 3.00 5788 M, Cohen. PhUadelphia. Pa.. 3.00 5789 Perry Kipp, R. C. Dayton, O. 3.00 5790 L. I. Burke, R. C, Schenec- tady. N. Y 3.00 5791 J. Bttrisch, R. C, Elisabeth. N. J 2.00 5792 Mrs. Mary Frey, N. Y. C 2.00 5793 Joachim Tanaan. Comatock, N.Y. 2.00 5794 Robert Gatke. Philadelphia. Pa. 2.00 5795 C M. Fraelich, R. C, CUnton, N. J 1.00 5796 Mary Frank. N. Y. C l.OO 5797 B. F. Jones. Weldon, Mont lO.OO 5798 Maty M. Entin, R.C, Elizabeth. N. J lO.OO 5799 B. Stdn, R.C, EUaabeth, N.J. 1.00 5800 S. T. Geraon, R, C, Elisabeth. N. J 50 5801 Jennie Boslow. R. C, Elisa- beth, N. J 50 5802 Anna Bamea. R. C. Elisabeth. N. J sa 5803 J. Brown. R. C, Carteret. N.J. 1.00 5804 WiUiam Uef. R. C, Elisabeth. N. J 1.00 5805 M. Snlulner. R. C. EUabotb. N. J 3.0<> 5806 Frieda Ooffe. R. C, Elinbeth. N. J SO Digitized by (^oogle April 15, 1922 Am Ma. Contributors Am0UMt 5807 Ida Kurtsnan, R. C, Elizabeth, N. J .50 5808 Rom Reifnun, R. C. Elizabeth. N. J :50 5809 Beaaie Meinatennan, R. C., Eliza- beth, N. J ^ 5810 Miriam Sacman, R. C, Eliza- beth. N. J 50 5811 E. Katzman. R. C, Elizabeth, N. J. 50 5812 Marie Kahn. R. C, Elizabeth, N. J 25 5813 Saul Ep»tein, R. C, Elizabeth. N. J 1.00 5814 B. L. Zeiael, R. C. Elizabeth, N. J 50 5815 A. Boroir, R. C. EUzabethJ<(.J. 1.00 5816 Nathaniel Kahn, R. C.,' Eliza- beth. N. J 1.00 5817 S. W. Kahn, R. C. Elizabeth. N. J 5 5818 Morria Bar, R.C., Elizabeth, N.J. .50 5819 Paul Walter, R. C, Elizabeth, N. J 50 5820 B. A. Knapp, R. C, Detroit. Mi<*. u 6.00 5821 Frank Dinkfalt, R. C. Detroit. Mich 10.00 5822 Geo. W. Hoffer, R. C, Royal, Oak, Mich 3.00 5823 Thoa. J. Johnaton, R. C, Royal Oak, Mich 2.00 5824 F. E. Shnltz, R. C, Detroit, Mioh 2.00 5825 Ray Mair. R. C, HifUand Park, Mich 1.00 5826 Thoe. N. KrechUch, R. C, De- troit. Mich 5.00 5827 K. M. Knapp, R. C, Detroit. Mich 4.00 5828 C. Hnltman, R. C, Detroit, Mich 5.00 5829 E. C ETaiw, R. C, Royal (kk, Btteh 1.00 5830 H. Scott, R. C, Royal Oak, Mich. 2.00 5831 F. H. Johiwon, R. C, Detroit, Mich 1.00 5832 W. BenaoD. R.C., Detroit, Mich. .50 5833 W. BeU. R.C Detroit, Blich... 1.00 5834 S. H. Fondren, R. C, Detroit. Mich 50 5835 F. G. Darey. R. C, Detroit, Mich. 1.00 5836 Karol RyMnakl, R. €., Detroit. Mich. 1.00 5837 Wm. Dinkfalt, R. C, Detroit. Mich. 10.00 5838 Wm. Cooper, R. C, Royal Park. Mich. 2.00 5839 M. Hemriek, R. €., Hl^iland Park, Mick. 1.00 5840 Anonymona, R. C.. Detroit. Mich. 2.00 5841 Wm. Vortoa, R.C Dotrolt. Mich. 1.00 5842 Frank Sehzati. R. €., Detroit. Mick. 1.09 5843 A. LooaU, R. C, m^iland. Park. Mick. 3.00 5844 Harry Stephenaon, R. C. Royal Oak, Mich 1.0 5845 John RuliteB, R. C, Detroit. Mich SM 5846 W. E. Smith, R. C., TngfcUtwl Park, Mich. 2.00 5847 M. Soadatraa, R. C. aereUad, OMo 10.00 5848 Anthony Novak, R. C, New Phi- ladelphia, Ohio 10.00 5849 A. Brenner, R. C, San Fran- daeo, Cal. 10.00 5850 D. H. Howell, R. C, Quay. Fla. 5.00 5851 Anne ^tUnftoa, R. C. Boaton, Maa^ 5.00 5852 S.W. Keaton, R.C., Afnew. Cal. 5.00 5853 8. Hllkowitz. R. C, San Diego. Cal 53.00 5854 Paul Oanick, R. C, Center Tllle, Iowa 22.00 5855 J. A. Modin. R. C, Byron. Cal. 116.00 5856 W. H. Lemich, R. C. Yonnga- town. Ohio 18.00 5857 A. Langendorfer, R. C, New- port. 1^ 13.00 5858 Nick Hrioaln. R. C, Poraglore, W. Va 11.00 5859 O. Bodeen, R. C, Part Wing, Wia 9.00 5860 M. Sndal A M. Wilk. R. C, Wll- kea-Barre. Pa 4.00 SOVIET RUSSIA Ree, N: Contributors AnmuHt 5861 E. Shoatak, R. C, Duluth, Minn 4.00 5862 John Shnbat, R. C, Great Falla, Mont 3.00 5863 J.C. Lockeman. Bedford. Ind... 3.00 5864 H. S. Jordan, R. C. San Fran- daco, Cal 2.00 5865 T. Hauler, Melbourne, Iowa... 2.00 5866 Peter Upnicki, R. C, Madison, WU 7.50 5867 GUdys E. Karcher. R.C. OUala. Waah 9.2 5868 Stanley Spnina, R. C, DoweU, ni 10.25 5869 John D. EUera. R. C, Haw- thorne, Cal 23.20 5870 Bert McGaw, R. C, Carmangay. Alberta. Canada 22.25 5871 Geo. Tamberg, R. C, Stcttler, Alberta, Canada 17.25 5872 Jamea W. Marahall, R. C, Cosh- octon, Ohio 15.50 5873 H. Friedman, R. C, Sanlt Ste Marie, Mich 18.50 5874 P. Falkoff, Corwallia, Ore 5.10 5875 N. H. Tallentire, St. Louis, Mo ».... 10.00 5876 O. E. Banniater, R. C, Rosalia. Waah 10.00 5877 Chaa. Rogera. R. C. Yarrow, B. C, Canada 10.00 5878 Louis Karon, Jr., R. C, Deroit. Mich 10.00 5879 C.F. Sturman. Deroit, Mich... 5.00 5880 Pittabnrgh RrUef Conf., Pitta- burgh, Pa 399.65 5881 F.S.R. Branch, Baltimore, Md. 241.61 5882 J. M. Johnaon. R. C, MetaUne Falls. Wash 11.00 Sn^ Thai. Kilncb. R. C, Fremint, Ohio 10.50 5884 B. F. Nixon, R. C, Elkhart. Tex 8.00 5885 C. L. Hongaard, R. C, Elm- wood Park, m 7.0 5886 Ph. Beaudean, R. C, Abita Springs, La 1.00 5887 J. Merkl, R. C, Abita, Soringa, U 1.00 5888 Hardwin, R. C, Abita, Springs. U 1.00 5889 R.H. Parr, R.C., Carthage. Mo. 2.50 5890 Andrew Anderaon. R. C, Lis- bon, Ohio 2 00 5891 Fergerson Sunday School. B 4ie- ▼ilia. Ark. i.50 5892 Albrecht Broa., C)lumbas. O. 1.00 5893 O. K. Sweeping Compound Co.. Oklahoma Oty. Okla 2.00 5894 W. N. Ackart, Oklahoma Qty, Okla 1.00 5895 T. D. Jonea, Oklahoma Qty, Okla 1.00 5896 A Friend. Oklabo:iia Oty, Okla. .75 5897 Ing thru T. D. Jonea. Oklahoma aty, Okla. 50 5898 J. Kuln, Oklahoma aty, OUa. .25 5899 S. H. Hanain, Oklahoma City, Okla I.?0 5900 G. Harrla, Oklahoma City, Okla. .50 5901 Joalyn, Oklahoma City. OkU. .50 5902 Chaa. T. Foater, Oklahoma City. Okla 50 5903 G. F. Wilson, Oklahoma. Qty .50 5904 M. Picow, Oklahoma Oty. Okla 1.00 5905 A. Welcoritch, R. C. Maynard. Mass 61.70 5906 T. Chemyshiok, R. C. MUbum. W. Va. 42.00 5907 Kormly Zadiraka. R. C. Wa- Terly. Pa 41.50 5908 A. Kobrin. R. C, Daiaytown, Pa 20.50 5909 Constantin Sherchnl^ Medway. Mass 7.75 5910 Amal, Food Wsrkcrs (Hotel & Rest. W. Br.) Chicago, HI 25.00 5911 W. U. Gajewskl. Newark, N.J. 25.00 5912 L. E. Seney, R. C, Rossland. B. C. Canada 23.00 5913 E. A. Stewart. Chicago. Ul... 5.00 5914 B. Benson. Chicago. lU 10.00 5915 Alex Mattaen, R. C, Hibbing. Minn 8.00 5916 Robert E. Wearer. R. C, Read- ing, Pa 23.00 5917 EmU Hedberg, R. C. Sioux aty, Iowa 15.00 S91S Cancelled, issued by mistake. S20 5919 H.H. Daris. R. C. Willlts, CaU 15.00 215 H^c. .Vn. Contributors Amount Z920 Joe Komer, R. C, Los Angeles. Csl 15.00 G921 Will. Effie A VirginU Rowley, R. C. NaturiU, Col 15.00 S9-.2 J. L. Bennett. R. C, Arnold. Md 11.00 5923 Dr. Frank C. Kloos. R. C, Chi- cago, ni 10.00 5924 N. Dfl Roche, R. C, Milwaukee. Wis 10.00 5925 Mary L. Biasing. Eveleth, Minn. 5.00 5926 J. C. Meyer. R. C San Fran- cisco, Cal 5.00 5927 Chriat Delch. Jackaonrille, Fla. 5.00 5928 John D. Pearmain, Framingham. Mass 5.00 5929 Charles Anderson. R. C. Uring- ston, Mont 4.00 5930 Nick P. Kodrea, R. C, Warren, Ohio *•"" 5931 Wm. Manne, R. C Holyoke, ^^ 5932 F. mVsch.' bVuiuVWch....^. 2.00 5933 L. G. Denbach. St. Louis. M.o 2.00 5934 Mrs. F. H. Benner. CampbeR. Q^ * •"" 5935 J. *B. Card, ^»P»»««. ^g}}-' ^'^ 5936 L. M. 220 C. W. I. U., DiUon- Tale. Ohio -.- ;•• fj^ 5937 Karl Godum, R. C. Orient lU. 14.50 5938 R. W. Giles, R. C, Bow Skagit Co Wash ^^''^ 5939 M.Fegde. R. C Richmond. Va. 45.25 5940 J. S. EUiot. R. C. Yeoford. Alberta. Canada ••••*:• ' 5941 George Drozdew. R. C. Barrack- TiUe, W. Va »«•«> 5942 Geo. Dresses, R. C Talamecn. B. C, Canada •..• ^.00 5943 Alex Allamanno, Richmond, Cal. 6.00 5944 Percy Heist. R- C, SaUneriUe, Ohio «-«-;i 5945 W. S. & D. B. F.. Woodharen. M Y o.w 5946 mWi isiiVlet,* "Hollywood. Cal. 5.00 5947 E.W. ColUns. Addy. Wash. . . . . 2.00 5948 Anna Hammer. RcsUndale, Mass. 2.00 5949 Elizabeth G. Young, Berkeley, Cal ^•"" 5950 F.S'.R. Br.. Brooklyn. N. Y. 1.00 5951 Dorothy Mogal. R. C.. N.Y.C. 1.00 5952 Thru Tlie Voice of the Worker %a Y C. 46.25 5953 o! Wilson.* R.' *C*.. Kearney. NJ. 30.^ 5954 F.S.R. Br., Chelsea. Maaa 72.62 5955 E. Koakley & B. Argiewicz. Detroit. Mich ...•• 25.50 5956 F. S. R. Uthuanlan Section, ja Y C ».wu.v>» 5957 Samuel Ticei.'R. C, Chlldresa, ^^^^ 590 wr*Noiiik7VR.C.V Montreal. Canada ;.",:' '\;' "•^' 9999 Herman Fiedler, R. C San Frandaeo, CaL .•••• — ••••• "'^^ 9960 Nick Vinate, R. C FhuikHn. Kana. '"'A'-'i. i" 99tfl B. Strmota, R- C Sannyrale. ^^^ 5962 Robert" Gorfon, r! C Hugo. Okla ^'^ 996S T. A Mrs. Kramin, Sacromento. Cal ^^ 5964 John Marten. R. C, San Fran- daeo. Cal IJVJ. ••" % 5965 Alice E. Harrington, Fairhope. Ala. •^•"^ 5966 John Kelley. Ust 1654. Roches- t«r, N. Y r -iV "-^^ 5967 Am. Hung. S. B. * E. Fed. No. 87. Coll. FarreH. Pa 1.60 5968 P. S. R. Branch. N. Y. C... 100.00 5969 Max Oxott. New Orleans. La. 1.00 5970 S. Ronwal. New Orleans. La. 100 5971 Lawrence Narrod. New Orleans. La • — •••• 2.00 5972 Platon Sorokaly. New Orleans. La 2.00 5973 Victor Sieku, New Orleana, La. 1.00 5974 Felin Stutas. New Orleans. La. 1.00 5975 Alexander Jodeika. New Orieans. La ^^ 5976 Paul Makarerich. New Orleans. U 2.00 5977 S. Sokoloff. New Orleans. La. 1.00 5978 Michael Dubrovio. New Orleans. La 1.00 5979 People of Bmle. Wia. 52.85 5980 F. S. R. Br.. R. C Chlsholm. Minn ^-^ Digitized by Google 216 SOVIET RUSSIA April IS, 1922 Rec. jY*. Contributoft Amottni 5981 Jaliiw KieodM, R. C, Spring- field, IlL 15.50 5982 Peter Antoniotti, R. C, Astoria, N. Y 9.25 5983 L. J. Poeatrck. Ust 5325. West Park, Ohio 8.80 5984 Dr. Wm. Bilinah, Racine. Wis. 1.00 5965 Mr. A Mn. C Bagnckia. Wor- ceater, Maaa. 2.00 5966 C. G. Sena. R. C. Virginia, Mtnn 2S.00 5987 U. M. W. of A.. Local 4371. ainton. Ind 25.00 5988 Women'a F. S. R., R. C, Butte. Mont 25.00 5989 W. Grobelny. R. C, Fairpoint. Ohio 21.00 5990 V. Alto. R. C. Reloro. Ont.. Canada 20.00 5991 John A. Nordland. R. C. Erans- ton. ni 20.00 5992 Mra. Johaane Rae. Great Falls. Mont 20.00 5993 H. MogaTero. R. C. Schenec- tady, N. Y 20.00 5994 L. KTamatrom. R. C. Superior, Wis. 16.00 5995 Hale P. Dougherty. N. Y. C. 10.00 5996 Carrie D. Denton. Wellesley. Blaaa. 7.00 5997 Waaly Hntnik. R. C. IndianoU, Pa 7.00 5998 Barney Cohen. Peoria. Ill 5.00 5999 Arbeiter Kranken & Sterbekaaae, Oahkoah. Wis. 5.00 6000 Caaimir Koatisewski. Chicago. Ill 2.00 6001 Geo. Baechlin. Centralia. Wash. 10.00 6002 W. Piletaky, Jaekaon. Mich... 10.00 6003 J. Striga, R. C, Newmarket. N. H 6.00 6004 C. A. Sbepard, Lynn Haven. Fla. 5.00 6005 R. J. HiU. Wichita. Kans..... 5.00 6006 Mike Boako. OaceoU MiUa. Pa. 5.00 6007 Goo. Aabel, San Frandaco. Cal. 2.00 Rec. ^c. Conlributort Amount 6008 A. L. Fergerson, Oakland. Cal. 2.00 6009 John K. Bluds. Sr.. Grand Ra- pids. Mich 2.00 6010 Vasily Tanasief. N. Y. C 3.00 6011 J. Milligan. Swiaarale. Pa 1.00 6012 Leopold Gottaammer. N. Y. C. 1.00 6013 M. Pitela. R. C. Easton. Pa. 6.00 6014 H. L. Anderson. Mankate. Minn. 1.00 6015 F. Rock, Hurleyrille. N. Y.. 1.00 6016 Anna K. BiU. Qncinnati. Ohio 10.00 6017 Mytro WiaUcki & Jim Vealcke. R. C, Hartford, W. Va 5.00 6018 Carmelo Profeta, Bklyn. N.Y. 3.00 6019 Henry Prime. R. C. Utica. N|Y| 2.00 6020 Jaa. A. Boyle. R. C, Kingman. Kans 1.00 6021 P. J. Riedel, Wa Keeney. Kans. 1.00 6022 Mrs. G. Reiss. N. Y. C 1.00 6923 ChariM Johnson. Staten Island. N. Y 4.00 6024 F. KiUian. Hoboken. N. J 3.00 6025 Harry Spiegler. R. C. N. Y. C. 6.00 6026 J. Hrahouski. R. C, Tranacona- man. Canada (Can. 111.75).. 11.16 6027 Emeat W. Nelson. Vancouver. B. C. Canada (Can. 12.00).. 1.90 6028 Rex Conrad, R. C. Wanham. Alta.. Canada (Can. f 11.00) .. 10.45 6029 Wm. Hanuach. R. C. Bembroke. Ont.. Canada 31.82 6030 Virginia Work People's Trading Co.. W. Virginia. Minn 500.00 6031 F. S. R. Branch. CincinnaU. O. 100.00 6032 Miss Barbara Haas, Newark. N. J 100.00 6033 Carl Staritsky, Ust 15970, Cor- nupia. Wis 73.00 6034 F. S. R. Branch. N. Y. C 2,110.04 6035 Sara Bemheim. N. Y. C 50.00 6036 A. Rosenquist, R. C. Enderlin, N. D 47.00 6037 Ed. Brown. R. C. Dodge City. Kans 5.0 6038 M. I. Lockwood. R. C, N.Y.C. 5.00 6039 Aug. & Eliz. Henkel. R. C. Queens VUIage. N. Y. C 5.00 H*t. \». Contrihm'srt Amount 6040 H. kei««rr. R. C. Adams. Mass. 5.00 6041 Thos. S. McMillan, R. C. Sa- linerille, Ohio S.OQ 6(Kt2 Geo. W. Linday, R. C. Erans- ton. ni 5.00 6043 J. Efress, R. C. Newark. N.J. 5.00 6044 W. Davis. R. C. N. Y. C 3.00 6045 Agate Lodge N.o 519 Br. of Locomot. Fire. & Eng.. Dulnth. Minn 10.00 6046 Mrs. ArminU Haar. R. C. Den- ver, Cal 5.00 6047 Waszel Baban, R. C. Pittsburgh. Pa 2.00 6048 J. A. Robinson. Tampa. Fla... 2.00 6049 Andrew Olcksuk. R.C.. Oelwein. Iowa 1.00 6050 Dr. P. E. Gold. Cuthand. Tex. 2.00 6051 Ouler Finnish Workers. Iron River, Wis 20.00 6052 A. W. M.. Chicago. Dl 10.00 6053 J. F. Kaiaer, BarUesville. OkU. 5.00 6054 Mr. & Mrs. E. A Miss T. E.. Hukkak. SointnU, B. C. Can. 5.00 6055 Frank J. Milefchik, Fairhope. Ala 5.00 6056 W. H. Aggus, Norwalk. Ohio 2.00 6057 Walter Richardaon, Meetinf. Deer Lodge, Mont 14.31 6058 Mrs. S. A. Herrinston, R. C, Plummer. Ida 18.50 6059 Paul Baltutis. Lyman. Neb... 5.0O 6060 D. N. Semenuck. Lyman. Neb. 5.00 6061 H. J. Coming. Detroit. Mich. 3.00 6062 Gustavo E. Hult. N. Y. C... 2.00 6063 Salomie Jackson. Flonxtown. Pa. 1.00 6064 Petersburf Unit. O. B. U.. Petersburg. Aladca 10.00 6065 L. C. Valere. E. Akron. Ohio 1.00 6066 Franco-Bel«. Propa. Club.. Law- rence. Maaa 170.60 6067 R. Rosabach. San Franciaco. Cal. 3.00 6068 Walter F. F. Hndaon, Sordar. B. C. Canada 2.50 6069 Ray Trotxky. N. T. C 5.00 6070 A. A. Heller. N. T. C 5.00 Total roa Maica. I«t2 164.338.72 Digitized by Google May 1, 1922 Fifteen Cents SOVIET RUSSIA Semi-Monthly Official Organ of the Friends of Soviet Russia THE BLOCKADE AND ITS VICTIMS ThU original drawing, made by Solcia Bahnc lor the Friends of Sotdet Russia, will be used as the evMf /tf • scir ptmnphlet to be issued by that organization. Digitized by Google SOVIET RUSSIA Vol. VI. May 1, 1922 No. 8 iMUcd Twice a Month at 201 We«t 13th St., New York. Edited and Pabliiihcd by Jacob Wittmer Hartmann. Subacription Rate: $2.50 per annum. Entered aa second claaa matter January 29, 1921, at the Post Office at New York, N. Y., under the Act of March 3, 1879. TABLE OF CONTENTS Pace Our Stand at Genoa, by N, Lenin 218 The New Constructive Phase, by A, A. Heller 224 Art Under the Proletariat, by Jacques Mesnil 227 Items on Relief Work 231 Editorials 232 PaC£ Hoover on Russian Transportation, by Paxton Hibben 234 Is Russia Turning Capitalist.^ by Leonid 236 Books Reviewed 237 Financial Report of F. S. R 239 Relief Contributions, April 1-15 241 Our Stand at Genoa By N. Lenin {A speech delivered before the Congress of Metal Workers^ Moscow, March 6, 1922.) Y^OU all know, of course, that Genoa still occu- pies the first place among all the problems of international policy.... We must say to ourselves as well as to all those who are in any way in- terested in the fate of the Workers' and Peasants' Republic that our attitude as to the Genoa con- ference has from the very beginning been firmly determined and has remained so. And it is not our fault if others lack not only firmness, but even the most elementary determination, the most elementary capacity to put their intentions into effect We have declared from the very beginning that we welcome Genoa and that we will go there; we understood very well and did not at all conceal the fact that we were going there as merchants, for the reason that trade relations with capitalist coun- tries are absolutely necessary to us, and that we are going in order to be in a position to consider in the most regular and adequate manner the politically advantageous conditions of these com- mercial relations, and nothing else. This is of course no secret to those capitalist countries whose governments drafted the first plans of the Genoa Conference. These governments know very well that the number of trade agreements connecting us with the various capitalist countries is increas- ing, that the number of business transactions is growing, and that the number of commercial enter- prises, Russian as well as foreign, which are being considered in the most detailed way, in all sorts of combinations of various foreign countries and various branches of our industry — is at present enormous. For this reason the capitalist countries know mighty well the practical bases of what is going to be the main subject of the deliberations at Genoa. And if as a complement to this basis there appears a superstructure of all kinds of political conversations, propositions, projects — then this must be understood to be only a little superstructure devised and created by those who were interested in it. In the more than four years that the Soviet Government has been in existence, we have of course acquired a sufficient amount of practical experience (thougjh we knew enough about it theoretically) to be able to form a correct opinion of the diplomatic game which the representatives of the bourgeois, countries have developed, in ac- cordance with all the rules of the antiquated diplo- matic art of the bourgeois system. We understand very well what 'is the basis of this game; we know that its essence is trade. The bourgeois countries need trade with Russia; they know that without some kind of mutual economic relations their de- cay will continue progressing as heretofore; in spite of all their great victories, in spite of all the bragging with which they are filling the papers of ^e whole world, their economic life is decaying more and more, and even now, in the fourth year after their victories, they cannot accomplish even the most simple task, namely, the reconstnictoin of the old (not to speak of the creation of anything new) , and they are still ruminating the question of how three, four, or five of them might come to- gether (as you see, the unusually large number is making the possibility of an agreement very difficult) and bring about such a combination as would render trade relations possible. I under- stand that time is really necessary if Communists are to learn to trade, and that anyone wanting to learn to trade will make great mistakes for several years, and history will forgive him because he is doing something new. We shall have to make our minds more flexible and put aside all our Communist, or rather, our Russian apathy and sluggishness, as well as many other things. But it is strange that the representatives of the bourgeois countries should have to learn ane^w the principles of a trade which they have been conducting for hundreds of years, and on which their entire social existence is based. Besides, it is not so strange for us. We long ago said that their judgment of the world war was less correct than ours. Their judgment was entirely near-sighted, and three years after their gigantic victories they cannot find a way out of the situation. We Corn- Digitized by Google May 1. 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 219 inunists said that our estimate of the war was deeper and more correct, that its contradictions and calamities would have incomparably more far-reaching consequences than was supposed by capitalist governments. And, looking from the outside at the victorious bourgeois countries, we said: they will many a time have cause to remem- ber our predictions and our judgment of the war and of its consequences. We are not surprised that they have gotten into a blind alley. But at the same time we say: We need the trade with the capitalist countries as long as they exist as such. We are negotiating with them as merchants, and the fact that we can accomplish this is being proved by the ever increasing number of trade agreements with capitalist countries, as well as by the number of transactions e£fected. We cannot publish them as long as they have not been finally concluded. When a capitalist business man comes to us and says: as long as our negotiations have not been terminated, the matter must remain con- fidential — it is understood that we cannot refuse this request from a business point of view. But we know very well how many agreements are in pre- paration: the list alone is several pages long, and among them there is a great number of practical business propositions with important financial groups. It is understood that the representatives of the bourgeois countries who are going to assemble in Genoa know this just as well as we do; for these governments have remained in constant touch with the activities of their capitalist concerns. The Threats of Europecm Diplomacy Therefore, if in telegrams coming from abroad we find repeated news to the effect that they have no exact idea what is going to go on in Genoa, that they are inventing something new, that they intend to surprise the world by presenting new terms to Russia, then let me tell them (and I hope that I may be able to say this personally to Lloyd George at Genoa) : "You will not surprise any- body. You are business men and are doing busi- ness well. We are still learning business and are doing it very badly. But we have hundreds of agreements and draft agreements from which it can be seen how we are doing business, what transac- tions we have concluded and are concluding, and on what terms. And if we find in the newspapers all kinds of news items the intention of which is to frighten some one, reports that we are to be put on some sort of probation, then we coolly smile at such reports. ' We have heard many threats, more serious than the threats of a merchant who is preparing to bang the door while he sub- mits what he calls his bottom price. We have heard threats uttered by the mouth of cannon on the part of the allied governments who now hold practically the whole world in their hands. We were not frightened by these threats. Please don't forget that, you gentlemen of European diplo- macy. We are not at all anxious to keep our own diplomatic prestige, our repute — the thing that is so extraordinarily important for the bourgeois governments. Officially we will not talk about it at all, but we have not forgotten it Not a single worker, not a single peasant, has forgotten, he cannot forget and will never forget, that he fought in defense of the Workers' and Peasants' Govern- ment against the alliance of all, even the most powerful countries, which were engaged in inter- vention. We are in possession of an entire collec- tion of agreements which these governments in the course of a number of years, concluded with Kol- chak and Denikin. They have been published, we know them, the whole world knows them. There- fore why should we play hide and seek as if we had forgotten everything? Every peasant and every worker knows that he fought against these countries and that they did not vanquish him. And if it please you, representatives of the bour- geois countries, to amuse yourselves and to waste your paper (you have more of it than is necessary) and ink, and overload your wires and radio sta- tions, in order to inform the whole world that you are going "to p.ace Russia on probation", then we must still see who will place the other on proba- tion. We have been already put on probation, not with words, not with trade or with money, but with arms. And by heavy, bloody and painful wounds we have deserved to have applied to us, even by our foes, the proverb: "A man who has received blows is worth two who have not." We have deserved this in the military field. But in the sphere of commerce, it is unfortunate that we Communists have not received many blows as yet, but I hope that in the near future this deficiency will be remedied. I have mentioned that I hope to speak person- ally with Lloyd George in Genoa on the above subject, and to tell him that it is useless to frighten us with child's play, because only those who are doing the frightening will lose their prestige there- by. I hope that in this I will not be prevented by my sickness, which has been preventing me for several months from participating directly in political affairs, and in general does not allow me to carry on my work as a Soviet official. I have grounds to think that in a few weeks I shall be able to return to work. But will they in the course of the next few weeks be able to come to an agreement — three or four of them among them- selves — as to the matter about which they an- nounced to the whole world that they have come to an agreement — of this I am not quite sure. I even venture to state that no one in the world may be certain of that, and, more than that, that they themselves" do not know. For, when the victorious countries in whose hands is the power over the entire world met at Cannes, after they had met many times before (the number of their con- ferences is endless and the bourgeois press of Europe is already making fun of them), they were still unable to state definitely what they wanted. Trotsk'/s Order From the point of view of practical problems and not from the point of view of the diplomatic Digitized by Google 220 SOVIET RUSSIA May 1, 1922. f;ame the situation has been most correctly out- ined by Comrade Trotsky. On the day after the information had come that the Genoa Conference had been finally 'decided upon, that there was full agreement as to Genoa, and that only the in- stability of one of the bourgeois governments (they havr become suspiciously unstable) had brought about a slight delay, he published the following army order: "Let every Red Army soldier become familiar with the international situation; we know with certainty that there is a strong group which would like to try intervention; we will be on the look-out, and let every Red Army soldier unaer- stand the meaning of the diplomatic game as well as the meaning of the force of arms which up to the present has decided all class conflicts/' Let every Red Army soldier know what this game means, what is the significance of the force of arms, and then we will see. However capitalism may have decayed in many capitalist countries, this adventure might be tried by several parties not without influence. And if the governments are io unstable that they cannot call a conference in time, then who knows in whose hands these gov- ernments will find themselves. We know that they have influential parties that want war, as well as influential personages and powerful cap- italists; we know this very well, and we know also everything about the present state of affairs which is the basis of the economical agreements. We have overcome many hardships and know what calamities and sufl'erings a new resort to warfare may bring us, and we say that we will bear it once more — let them only try it. The deduction made by Comrade Trotsky, who instead of declarations of diplomatic character published his firm appeal, was that the interna- tional situation should be explained anew to every Red Army soldier, that the postponement of the Genoa Conference because of the Italian Govern- mental crisis — means the danger of war. We will see to it that every Red Army soldier becomes acquainted with the facts. This will be all the easier to attain, because it would be hard to find a single family, a single Red Army soldier in Russia, who is not fully aware of this situation, not only from the newspapers, circulars or orders, but even from his own village, where he sees cripples, where he sees families who passed through the trials of this war, where he sees the bad harvest, the terrible hunger, the ruin and desti- tution, and knows what brought them about, even though he does not read the Paris newspapers of the Mensheviks and the Social Revolutionists, who Elace the responsibility for all these things on the ad qualities of the Bolsheviks. The sentiment that pervades his entire being with the greatest force is the sentiment of resistance — resistance to those who imposed upon us and supported against us the war of Kolchak and Denikin. On that account we do not need to call to life new com- mittees for agitation and propaganda. As to the Genoa Conference, it is necessary to distinguish between its essence and the newspaper canards launched by the bourgeoisie; they think them to be terrible bombs, but they do not frighten us, and we have seen many of them, and they do not al- ways deserve that even a smile be wasted on theuL All attempts to impose upon us terms as if we were vanquished, are outright nonsense to which it is not worth while to reply. We are entering relations as merchants and we know what you owe us and what we owe you, and what legitimate and even exhorbitant profit you may derive from us. We have a great number of proposals, the number of agreements grows and will grow, whatever the relations between the three or four victorious powers; a postponement of this conference will be a loss for yourselves, because by postponing it you will prove to your own people that yon yourselves do not know what you want and that you are sufl'ering from a disease of the will. This sickness consists in your inability to understand the economic and political situation which we have t'udged better than you did. Soon ten years will lave passed since we sized up this situation cor- rectly, while all this destruction and decay have not yet become clear to the bourgeois governments. Stopping the Retreat We already see clearly the situation which was brought about in our country and we can say with firm determination that the retreat which we have begun can now be stopped and that we are stopping it It is enough. We are fully aware — and do not conceal the fact — that the new economic policy is a retreat. We had gone so far that it was not possible to maintain everything; but such is the logic of the struggle. He who remembers what happened in November, 1917, or, if at that time he was politically immature and did not become acquainted until later with the situation prevailing in 1917, he now knows how many com- promise proposals the Bolsheviks at that time had made to the boura;eoisie. They said: "Gentlemen, everything is falling to pieces in your hands, but we will seize the power and will keep it Could you not find a way to arrange things, as the peasant would say, without too much fuss? We know that there was not only a fuss, but even attempts at revolts provoked by the Mensheviks and the Social- Revolutionists. First they said: **We are ready to hand over the power immediately to the Soviets." Recently I had an opportunity to read an article of Kerensky against Chernov in a paper published i*i Paris: Kerensky says, "We did not cling to power; already at the time of the Demo- cratic Conference I declared that if persons could be found who would take upon themselves the organization of a homogenous government, the government would be transmitted to the new gov- ernment without any violent commotions.** We did not refuse to take over the government all by ourselves. We declared that as far back as June, 1917. In November, 1917, at the Con- gress of the Soviets, this became a fact — the Soviet Congress had a Bolshevist majority. Thereupon Kerensky asked for the help of the military cadetm» Digitized_by Google May 1, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 221 he galloped off to Krasnov, and was about to order the entire army to march on Petrograd. We upset them a little, and now they are sore and say: "What ruffians, what usurpers, what hangmen!" Our re- ply is: "Blame yourselves, friends! Do not think that the Russian peasants and workers have for- Sotten your actions! You challenged us to a esperate fight in November, 1917, and in reply we took recourse to terror, and again to terror — and will use it still again if you try it again. Not a single worker, not a single peasant doubts that it is necessary; with the exception of some hysterical intellectuals, nobody doubts it." Amid unheard of hardships on the economical field we had to conduct war with an enemy whose forces were a hundredfold superior to ours; it is obvious that under these circumstances we had to take recourse to extraordinary communist measures — going further than was necessary; we were forced to do so; our enemies thought that they would force us to surrender. They said: We will not make any concessions. We answered: If you think we will not decide upon extremely commun- bt measures, you are mistaken. And we decided to take them; we did; and we won. At present we say that we cannot maintain these positions; we are retreating because we have con- quered enough to maintain the necessary positions. The entire White Guard crowd headed by the Mensheviks and the Social -Revolutionists is trium- phant and says: "We told you so! You are re- treating." But ve answer them: "You may ex- alt — if this gives you any consolation. We are quite satisfied if our enemy, instead of doing real work, is concerning himself with self -consolation. Triumph! You are placing us in a still more con- Tenient position, if you console yourselves with delusions. We have conquered important posi- tions, and if between 1917 and 1921 we had not conquered these positions, we would not have had a place to which to retreat — either geographically, or economically or politically. We are maintain- ing the power in alliance with the peasantry, and if you do not wish to agree to the terms which were offered to you before the war, then after the war you will get conditions which are much worse." This has been fully recorded in the diplomatic, economic and political history from 1917 to 1921, so that it is not mere boasting. It to simply the statement of a fact, a reminder. If in November 1917 the capitalists had ac- cepted our proposals, they would have at present five times as much as they have now. You (the bourgeois) were fighting for three years. What did you get for it? Do you want to continue fighting? We know very well that by far not all of you desire to fight. On the other hand we know that on account of the terrible hunger, on account of the present state of industry we will be unable to maintain all the positions which we kept from 1917 up to 1921. We have given up a great number of them. But we can say now that this retreat as far as concessions made to the capitalists are concerned, is now ended. We have considered our forces and those of the capitalists^ We have made a number of investigations con- cerning the conclusion of agreements with Russian and foreign capitalists and we say — and 1 hope and am convinced — that the Congress of the Party will declare it officially in behalf of the ruling party of Russia: We can stop our economic r»> treat now. It is enough. . We will not retreat any further, and we now will proceed to a regular development and grouping of our forces. The Famine and the Financial Disorganizatiou When I say that we are stopping our economic retreat, this does not mean that I am in any way forgetting the incredible difficulties in which we find ourselves at present, and that I want to soothe and to console you in this lespect. The question concerning the limits of our retreat, as well as that of whether or not we are going to stop it, is not the same question as that of the difficulties before us. We know what difficulties we have to face. We know what a famine in a peasant country like Russia means. We know that we have not succeeded yet in remedying the calamity brought about by the hunger. We know what a financial crisis means in a country which is forced to do business and in which such a tremendous amount of money has been issued as the world had never seen before. We are aware of these difficulties and know that they are tremendous. I am not afraid to say that they are infinite. But this does not frighten us at all. On the contrary, we draw our strength from the fact that we frankly declare to the workers and peasants: These are the difficulties facing us, this is the danger menacing us on the part of the western powers. Let us work and face soberly the tasks before us. If we are discontinuing our retreat, this does not mean that we do not know these dangers. We are looking straight at them. We say: here is the main danger; • the calamity brought about by the famine must be remedied. We have not remedied it yet. We have not yet overcome the financial crisis. ThuSi our words as to the discontinuance of our retreat must not be understood as signifying that we are of the opinion that we have established the foundation of our new economy and that we can proceed safely. No, the foundation has not been established yet. We cannot yet look calmly into the future. We are surrounded by military dan- gers, of which I have spoken sufficiently, and wa are surrounded by still greater dangers from with- in, dangers in the economic field, as expressed io the terrible ruin of the peasantry, in the famine and the financial crisis. These dangers are very grave. We must exert all our forces. But if a war is imposed upon us, we shall know how to fight. But the conduct of war is not an easy matter for them either. In 1918 it was easy for ihera to start a war, and to continue it, in 1919. But many things happened before 1922. The workers and peasants of western Europe are by no means what they were in 1919. And to cheat them — telling them "we are fighting against the Get* Digitized by Google 222 SOVIET RUSSIA May I, 1922. mans and the Bolsheviks are only the agents of the Germans" — is not possible. We are not panicky on account of our economic situation. We are at present in possession of a great number of agreements that were concluded with Russian and foreign capitalists. We know what difficulties were and are still confronting us. We know why the Russian capitalists have made these agree- ments. The majority of these capitalists con- clude these agreements as practical men, as mer- chants. We, too, enter into such agreement as merchants. But to a certain degree the merchant takes politics into account. If he is a merchant of a country which is not entirely savage, he will not conclude an agreement with a government which apparently is not stable. A merchant who would do that is not a merchant but a fool. But among the merchants he does not represent the majority because the logic of commercial com- petition removes him from the commercial battle- field. If formerly we said: "Denikin has beaten us, let us prove that we can beat him," at present we must say: "The merchant has beaten us, let us prove that we can force him to make good terms with us." We have proved that. We have al- ready a number of contracts with the biggest firms of Russia and Western Europe. We know what they are after. They know what we are after. An End to Concessions — But an End Also to Our Inefficiency At present the problems confronting us have Tisomewhat changed. In connection with the pres- ent situation, we must say that after having made so many concessions, we are going to stop and make no more concessions. If the capitalists think that we can be induced to make further and furr- iher concessions, we must tell them : "Enougm > tomorrow you are not going to get anything." II the history of the Soviet Government and of its *• victories has taught them nothing, let us leave ; them to their fate. As far as we are concerned, | we have done what we could and we have an- 1 nounced it to the whole world. I hope the con- ference will also indorse our abandonment of fur- ther concessions. The retreat has come to a close, and at this stage our activity must change. I must point out that up to the present a cer- tain nervousness, almost a disease, is noticeable in the discussion of this subject; all kind of plans are made and all kinds of resolutions are adopted. In that connection I would like to relate the fol- lowing incident. I accidentally read yesterday in Izvestya a poem of Mayakovsky on a political subject. I am not among the worshippers of his poetical talent, although I fully admit my incom- petence in this field. But for a long time I have not enjoyed such a pleasure from the political and administrative point of view. In his poem Mayakovsky thoroughly derides conferences and sneers at the Communists for their endless con- ferences and conferences. I don't understand any- thing about the literary value of the poem, but as far as politics is concerned he is perfectly right. We are really in the situation of people (and it must be admitted that this situation is very silly) who are all the time having conferences, forming commissions, making plans, ad infinitum. There was once a certain character in Russian life named Oblomov.* He always lay in bed forming plans. Much time has elapsed since, Russia has had three revolutions, but for all that Oblomov was not only a nobleman, but also a peasant, not only a peasant but also an intellectual, and not only an intellectual but also a worker and a Communist It is enough to consider how we hold our sessions, how we work in our commissions, in order to be justified in saying that the old Oblomov is still alive, and it will be necessary to wash, to clean, to pound and maul him for a long time, if anything is to be made of him. We must consider this thing without any illusions. We did not imitate those who write the word "revolu- tion" with a capital "R", as do the Social-Revolu- tionists. But we may repeat the words of Marx, that in the time of revolution not less stupidities are committed, but sometimes even more. It is necessary to consider these stupidities soberly and fearlessly — we, the revolutionists, must learn that We accomplished during this revolution so many things that will stay, that have finally conquered and that are known to the whole world, that at any rate you do not have to be disturbed or to be- come nervous. At present the situation is such that, basing ourselves on the investigation made, we may review now what we have accomplished; this examination is of great importance; after it we may take a further step. And it we are to hold our own in the struggle against the capitalists, we must decidedly follow a new path. We must establish ^our entire organization in such a way that at the head of our conmiercial organizations there shall be no men without experience in this field. Every- where, at the head of every department there is a communist, a man known for his honesty, tried in the struggle for communism, a man who has spent' time in prison but who does not understand anything about business and who has been placed at the head of a State Trust. He has all the "necessary qualities for a Communist, but any mer- chant can get the better of him, because it is use- less to put the most worthy, the most excellent communists, whose honesty only a madman could contest, in a position to which it would be proper to appoint a circumspect salesman, whose attitude towards his work is conscientious and who would do his work much better than the most devoted Communist But here our Oblomov enters. For practical work we have nominated Communists who, with all their excellent qualities, were abso- lutely unfit for that work. How many Communists are employed in our governmental institutions? We have collected tre- mendous materials which would bring joy to even the most pedantic German professor; we have mountains of papers, and fifty years of work of ♦A character in Goncharoy's norel, Oblomow, Digitized by Google May 1, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 223 our Institute for the Party's History, multiplied by fifty, would be necessary in order to see one's way through it, and in practice you will not get anything done in the State Trust and you will not find out who is responsible for anything. The Eractical execution of the decrees of which we ave more than suflkient and which we are pro- ducing with that eagerness described by Mayakov- sky, is not being checked up. Are the decisions of the responsible Soviet workers being carried out? Do they know how to organize that work? No, that is not the case and that is why we must change our internal policy. What is the matter with our conferences and conunissions? They are often a joke. After we began to clean up the party and said to ourselves: "Out with the grafters and thieves who have smuggled themselves into the the party" — conditions improved. We have thrown out one hundred thousand — and this is very well, but this is only the bgeinning. At the party con- gress we shall discuss this matter at length. And then I think those tens of thousands who at pres- ent are only concerned with organizing commis- sions and are not occupied in any practical work and cannot do any, will undergo die same fate. Only when we have cleaned up in this way, will the party do real practical work and understand it in the same way as it understood the military struggle. Of course this is not work for a few months or even for a year. We must show hard determination in this question. We are not afraid to say that the nature of our work has changed. Our worst enemy is the interior enemy — the Com- munist who occupies a responsible (or even an or- dinary) Soviet post and enjoys general esteem as a conscientious person. He has not learned how to fight against inefficiency, he does not know how to fight against it, he condones it. We must free ourselves from this enemy, and with the help of all the conscious workers and peasants we will succeed in doing so. The entire mass of the work- ers and peasants not belonging to any party will follow the advance guard of the Conmiunist party in its struggle against this enemy. There must be no hesitation as to this point. Let me sum up. The game of Genoa, the stage play that' is taking place about Genoa will not make us waver. They will not "get" us this time. We are going to talk to merchants and we are ready to make concessions, continuing our policy of concessions, but the limits of these concessions have already been determined. Whatever we have given the merchants up to the present in our agree- ments, we have done as a step backward in our l^islation, and we will not go any further. In this connection there is a change taking place in the tasks confronting our internal, and especial- ly our economic policy. What we need is not new decrees, not new institutions, not new methods of struggle. What we need is to verify the ability of the people, to check up the accomplishment in practical work. The next cleaning up will hit at all the Communists who call themselves admin- istrators. It would be better that all those who conduct these commissions and conferences and do not do any practical work, should concern them- selves with agitation and propaganda. They get up something extraordinary and find an excuse for themselves by saying that this is the new economic policy and that it is necessary to invent something new. But the work which is entrusted to them is not being done. They are not interested in saving a kopeck wherever possible and in turning it into double the amount if possible, but they waste time in making plans and estimates for Soviet millions and even trillions. It is against this enemy that we must wage war. To v erify the abilities o f the people and to chec k up the practical executTon of the ~ Work— - thg is — we must repeat— the central ^ \^^ pomt o rogf^hole work, of our whole polic y. ^ "pC This Is hoi a matter ol a lew months, not a matter of a year, but of several years. We must officially state in the name of the Party, in what the most important part of our work consists, and reform our ranks accordingly. Then we will be as vic- torious in this new sphere as we have hitherto been in all the other tasks which the Bolshevik proletarian government, supported by the peasant mass, has undertaken. SOVIET LAWS Two pamphlets that should be in the hands of every student of Russian institutions are offered for sale by the Friends of Soviet Russia: THE LABOR LAWS OF SOVIET RUSSIA with an Interpretative Introduction, as well as an article on "Laws for the Protection of Labor", by S. Kaplun, of the Commissariat of Labor. PaptT Covers, Twenty-Five Cents. THE MARRIAGE LAWS OF SOVIET RUSSIA with ^an Introduction. Full text of all laws on Marriage, Guardianship, Divorce, etc. Paper Covers, Twenty-Five Cents. Special rates for quantities. Write to: SOVIET RUSSIA 201 West 13lh St., New York, N. Y. Room 31 WE ARE MOVING Our new address is Room 31, 201 West 13th Sl All mail should be sent to that address. We are in the same building with the National Office of the Friends of Soviet Russia. SOVIET RUSSIA 201 West 13lh St., New York, N. Y. Room 31 Digitized by Google 224 SOVIET RUSSIA May 1, 1922. The New Constructive Phase in Russia By A. A. Heller (The Representative in America of the Supreme Council of National Economy gives the results of his studies of Russian industry on the spot.) in the labor movement, in exile, in Siberian jailt. Such a man is Kaveshnikov, the chairman of the executive committee of his village soviet. Kavesh- nikov is a peasant, self-educated and fully in touch with conditions in his district.- He is a devoted Communist, proud of the fact that he raised the largest amount in taxes of any county in his province. Another typical soviet official is Abra- mov, the head of an important department in the Siberian Government. Abramov was a Petrograd workman. Joining the Red Army he rose to a position of leadership in the campaign against Kolchak. Now he says he would like to go back to his bench, at least for a year, in order to rest from the unaccustomed worries of administering a large department. In all my travels I became firmly convinced of two things: the extent and depth of the Revolution and the strength of the Soviet Government. In spite of the long period of turmoil and civil war life and property are as safe in Russia to-day at in any so-called civilized country in the world. At the same time living conditions in Russia at the present time are very hard. Such elementary articles as medicaments, soap and sugar are lack- ing. Of course most things can be bought in the market for money, and trade is steadily increasing. When I left Moscow on October 31 the city was unrecognizable, compared with its aspect when I arrived in June. Stores and shops were open, doing a lively business, buildings were being re- paired and painted, theatres were filled. But the average workman and employe still finds it difficult to obtain decent clothing and housing and sufficient food. The general food situation is aggravated by the terrible famine in the Volga district. The calculations of the Government regarding the tax in kind, made in the spring, when the new tax law was introduced, are upset; and the bread which was originally destined for the industrial worken must be sent to the famine region. Many in- dustrial establishments which were to be put in operation this fall will not be able to open; and many government departments are sharply reduc- ing the number of their employees. Russia is fac- ing a serious unemployment situation. I found, however, that the general confidence in the possibility of Russia's economic recovery had been great I v strengthened by the new eco- nomic policy, which was formally decreed by the Soviet Government last spring, and which was gradually receiving practical application during the summer and fall. This new policy marks a turn in the direction of state capitalism, and im- plies the return of some features of the capitalist economic system, such as production for profit, private ownership of property, use of money, a TN the Tretiakov Galleries in Moscow there is a painting by Maikov called Vikhr — The Cyclone, It represents a young peasant boy and girl danc- ing. The picture is hung on the wall farthest from tlie entrance. When you first look at it as you enter the room you are almost blinded, — it seems as if a splash of vivid red had struck your eye. You perceive nothing clearly about the picture, except that it is full of life, that it is predominantly bloodred, that it is powerful. When you approach the painting more closely you distinguish the two figures in a mad dance, the brilliant red skirt of the girl whirling in the air, the man accompany- ing her with equal abandon. You make out de- tails of the costumes, the faces, the movements, the background. When you stand very near the pic- ture you are again confused. You see nothing but large blotches of paint, apparently laid on in meaningless disorder. So it is with the Russian Revolution. Some who are too far away conceive it as red nightmare, while to others, who cannot see the picture for the paint, it seems to be nothing but meaningless disorder. But neither view is correct. It is a tremendous event in the history of the world, too big for us to appreciate, just because we are too close to it. It is a revolution, great, profound and deep, that has toppled over one order and is build- ing a new one on the ruins. The work of con- struction is going on before our eyes. It seems badly organized; there is lack of bricks in one place, and of mortar in another; here and there parts of the wall are tumbling; but the building is making progress nevertheless. Some people may like it and others may not; but it is there as a liv- ing fact. This is the impression which I carried away from Soviet Russia after a visit of nearly five months, from June to November, 1921. During this time I traveled through Russia and Siberia, visiting many out-of-the-way places and talking with men and women of all classes, peasants, city workers, enp:ineers and dispossessed bourgeois. It car>not be doubled that the power of the Soviet Government is firmly established. Every town, every village offers decisive proof of this fact The Soviet power reaches the smallest settlements; and everywhere it is represented by well organized local administrations. In the country districts peasants are at the head of the local government organs; in the towns the officials are recruited mainly from the manual workers. These proletarian governors are usually cast in a stronff mold; energy and determination are their outstanding qualities. Most of them have passed through the school of active struggle, either at the front in the civil war, or, if they are older men. Digitized by Google May 1, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 9M banking system, credits, interest, inheritance rights, civil courts, collection of rent and taxes and con- cessions to capitalists. It is expected that many factories and houses will be returned to their for- mer owners, and individuals and associations are encouraged to engage in manufacture and trade. The efifects of this change of policy are becoming apparent throughout the Republic. Peasants are bringing their products to market; factories are organized on a basis of self-supply, instead of depending upon the government for their require- ments; warehouses are being opened; many plants are being leased to co-operative organizations. The factories are very well' preserved. Their equipment is in good order; and they frequently possess considerable stores of raw material. I inspected perhaps fifty large industrial establish- ments; and I was surprised to find them in such excellent shape. Most of them are in need of repairs; but the defects are usually of a minor nature. Such things as repair parts, electric lamps, and belting are apt to be missing. While production in Russia has fallen sadly, in some cases to 2.2 per cent of the pre-war volume, the plants themselves seem to have sufifered very little. Some interesting figures on Russia's industrial production are furnished by E. Preobrazhensky, a well-known Soviet economist, in a pamphlet en- tilled: Paper Money in the Period of Proletarian Dictatorship,* Preobrazhensky's figures are based upon the production statistics for the months January- July, 1920; but I think they hold good, with some minor exceptions, for the present time. Naturally, the industries which were least essential to the prosecution of the war have suffered the most. The production of paint and varnish de- clined to 2.2 per cent of the 1913 volume. Soap and candles, with 2.8 per cent, showed an equally catastrophic falling-off. Glass is reckoned at 13 per cent, paper at 15 per cent, matches at 16 per cent, tobacco at 17 per cent, and oil at 33 per cent, of pre-war production. The primary causes of Russia's industrial de- bacle are the World War, the civil war, and the blockade. These are over now; but their evil effects remain. During my travels I was especially impressed by two outstanding handicaps under which Russian industry is now laboring: the short- age of skilled workers and the lack of an adequate and regular food supply for the industrial popula- tion. The decimation of the skilled workers is, one of the tragedies of the intervention and civil war. It was from this class that the Communist Party recruited a large part of its membership. It furnished proportionally by far the largest share of volunteers for the Red Army. Many of the skilled workers were killed in the long civil war; niany were called to fill government posts. An effort is now being made to give technical instruc- tion to as many of the younger workers as possible; and this should produce good results in the future. •Reviewed in Soviet Russia, May 14, 1921 (Vol. IV, p. 487). A COAL MINE NEAR CHELIABINSK The coal is here taken right off the surface, as in a quarry. The terraces in the background show the method of worfc But just now the absence of skilled men is keenlj felt in the Russian factories. Equally disastrous is the lack of any effective scheme for provisioning the industrial workers. Time after time in the Urals I found factories with excellent equipment and a large labor force closed simply because there was no way of guaran- teeing the workers a regular supply of food. If the Government could accumulate only six months' stock of food for the industrial workers the pro- ductivity of the Russian mines and factories would increase, I am convinced, at an amazing rate. This problem is, of course, complicated by the famine. Whatever the Government planned to do in the direction of improving the condition of ihe work- ers was nullified by the necessity to feed the mil- lions of starving peasants in the Valley of the Volga. In its efforts to re-establish industry the Soviet Government is offering very liberal contracts, bolli Digitized by Google 226 SOVIET RUSSIA May 1, 1922. to foreign and to domestic entrepreneurs. A lessee may take over a plant in good condition with avail- able equipment and raw materials, and in so)ne cases also receive an advance of funds against future payments, in return for which he is required to turn over to the government a part of his pro- duct. The terms and details of thrae contracts depend upon the nature of the proposition; but generally they are very advantageous to the lessee. In the case of concessions the terms may be even more liberal: for the government is very anxious to build up industry in the shortest possible time, and is willing to let the concessionaire have the bulk of the gains. I happen to be acquainted with the details of two concessions which have actually been granted. A Swedish company which operated a ball-bearing factory at Yaroslav before the Revolution has agreed to reopen the plant and restock it with tools and equipment. In return it receives a long lease of the factory, together with priority in the trans- portation of its raw materials, permission to sell part of its product abroad, and the assurance that the government will pay in gold for a specified amount of product. An American company has secured a concession of some asbestos mines in the Urals. The lease is to run for twenty years. The concessionaire engages to furnish the necessary equipment, to employ Russian workmen and pay them according to union standards, and to turn over to the Gov- ernment 5 per cent of the gross product of the mines. The company is also given transportation priority, together wiUi the right to sell part of the product abroad. The clause regarding die govern- ment's share of the gross production is subject to readjustment at the end of five years, and there A GROUP OF URAL FACTORY WORKERS This photograph of workers in the Shaitanka Seamless Tube Works, near Cheliabinsk^ was taken by Comrade Heller, is also a provision that the concessionaire may be bought out for a sum calculated to cover the in- vestment and the anticipated profits. In both these concessions the company is obliged to pro- duce a certain quantity of goods within a definite time limit Leaseholds for farm colonies on government land are also o£fered. Any responsible individual or group, native citizens or foreigners, may apply for leases on factories or lands; preference is given to those who can demonstrate their ability to carry out the contract and establish production in a businesslike manner. It may be said in this connection that, while the Soviet Government's present policy of shutting the frontiers to inuni- gration will be continued as a necessary conse- quence of the appalling shortage of things in Rus- sia, groups and individuals going on definite er- rands — leasing factories or farm lands, seeking concessions, ofiFering technical service — will be permitted to enter Russia. In fact, foreign co- operative and industrial associations of all sorts and organized farming groups are invited to come and take part in the development of Russian in- dustry and agriculture. Soviet Russia to-day, like the United States after the Civil War, is a land of opportunity. A modem Horace Greeley might say: "Go to Russia, young man, and grow up with die country." Russia is a wonderfully rich land. In the Urals, for instance, every foot of ground literally covers some hidden wealth: coal, iron, copper, gold, platinum, graphite, quartz, limestone, asbestos, salt. The wealth of Siberia has hardly even been investigat- ed. In many localities there are enormous de- posits of copper, mountains of coal, silver and gold, excellent iron ore — just waiting for human hnntJ- r.nd capital to develop them. It would take too long to describe in detail the mineral wealth of the South of Russia, of the Caucasus with its oil wells, of the North with its timber. There are unlimited opportunities for agriculture and for cattle and sheep raising, both in European Russia and in Siberia. It may seem strange to speak of profits, opportunities, grow- ing up with the country, in a land ruled by Communists, where the first phase of a social revolution has been accom- T)lished. But there can be no doubt that both the leaders and the rank nnd file of the Russian Communist Party are reconciled to the ncressity of postponing the introduction of complete communism and calling in the aid of private initiative to re- store Russia's productive capa- city. Discussing the desirability itized by Google Digitized May 1, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 227 of interesting the large merchant in the new eco- nomic policy, Lenin recently said: "He (the merchant) is a type as far removed from communism as earth is from heaven But this is just one of those contradictions which in actual life lead from petty peasant economy through state capitalism to socialism; individual interest raises production. At all costs, no matter how severe may be the pains of the transition period, poverty, hunger, collapse, we shall not fail in spirit and we shall carry our work to a victorious end." The Soviet leaders do not regard the new eco- nomic policy as an abandonment of their commun- ist ideals. Even before the November Revolution Lenin predicted in his writings that a period of state capitalism must precede the introduction of conmiunism in such an economically backward country as Russia. It is now generally recognized that the "war-time conununism" which was a neces- sary characteristic of the struggle against internal and external enemies is not practicable in time of peace. I also found that many non-Communist en- gineers and technical experts believe that the best hope for the speedy economic regeneration of Rus- sia lies in the continued application to the service of the Republic of the splendid drive and energy and executive ability which so many of the Com- munists displayed in the civil war. Whenever I think of Russia I am reminded of a good old peasant woman, the mother of one of the ablest of the Communist leaders, who is much amused to see her son holding a high government post. "Look at these boys," she says, referring to her son and his comrades, "just a few years ago they carried around proclamations, and now they want to rule the whole country." It is true that the Communists dared much. But they also achieved much. The world may not be v^illing to concede this yet. But the Russian people, the vast majority of them, have consciously . accepted the Soviet regime as a government which will be theirs for a long time. And they will build up the economic system needed by their country. Art Under the Proletariat By Jacques Mesnil (The distinguished French critic takes up in this article the preservation of past beauty; an article from his pen in the next issue of Soviet Russia will take up the future of art in Russia,) TN speaking of art in present day Russia one must guard against a failing common to many of the advocates and opponents of the Soviet sys- tem, a state of mind altogether too common to-day, as in all moments of great convulsion: the tendency to expect miraculous things, the belief in marvels, not as it was held in the middle ages, in a juvenile form, in its direct material aspect, but, in accord- ance with the character of our knowing age — ^at least such the age considers itself to be — in a more abstract, more spiritual, more symbolic form. To-day, people believe in the possibility of radical and sudden transformations in the psycho- logy of an entire nation, in the instantaneous crea- tion, by the mere fact of revolution, of an artistic renaissance, in the spontaneous generation of works of art bursting from a socially convulsing soil. And this state of mind is characteristic both of the defenders and adversaries of the regime that issues from the Russian Revolution. Some time ago I read in Le Flambeau, a magazine appearing in Belgium, a long article by Boris Sokolov, a well-known anti-Bolshevik, who made use of the absence of a great rebirth of artistic creation in Russia since die November Revolution in order to blacken the regime which resulted from the Revolution and to prove its sterility from the standpoint of general culture. To speak in this fashion is to show that one has no historical knowl- edge whatsoever, that one has never reflected on the past: I do not know of any great artistic awak- ening which was contemporary with a violent movement of social transformation. Not to go too far afield in our search for examples, let us ask whether the French Revolution immediately produced anything really new or powerful in art, comparable with the great social convulsion brought about by the Revolution? It did not People then admired classic art, the revival of the Greeks and Romans; not only their form, but even their subjects and myths were imitated and adapted more or less to the ideas of the day: Republican faiences were manufactured, of no greater or less artistic value than most of the propaganda posters put out to-day. The great change in literature and in art was not to come about until thirty years later, and was destined to be the work of the new generation, bom after the Revolution, yho had breathed its air and absorbed its dominant ideas from child- hood, who had grown up in the midst of the immediate memories of its heroic struggles and in the atmosphere of the great events diat followed upon it: in France it is the Romantic movement which represents the revofution in art. And the forces released by the revolution find their artistic expression in this movement; when they ceased actively to influence the masses and to bring about new uprisings, in this moment of calm these forces developed all their dynamic power in the domain of the spirit. Consider also other great social transformations, such as the formation of Communes in the middle ages, and you will find that there also th<- blossoming of art follovrs at a certain distance upon the political events, and that they continue*! Digitized by Google 228 SOVIET RUSSIA May 1, 1922. far beyond the culmination of the economic de- velopment Particularly when we consider a Conmiunist •ociety, as was ihe Commune of the middle ages, and as will be ihe society toward which the Russian revolution is working, there is a further material cause preventing the immediate blossoming of a new art; this is the fact that in any Communist •ociety the predominant art is necessarily archi* lecture, which is the immediate and direct response to the common life, while sculpture and painting are as it were the adornments of architecture, calculated to complete the total impression. And the great works of architecture cannot be created except in periods of comparative calm, when the wealth of the community is large enough and the labor forces numerous enough to make die erection of buildings possible. My task will therefore be limited by the very nature of the case, and when I start out to speak of the present day art in Soviet Russia I shall be obliged to consider particularly the two modes of action that are now possible; the preservation of the monuments of existing art, and the effort to educate, to prepare for the creation of new works; preservation of the past and preparation for the future, these two ideas fully embrace the tasks now facing the guiding spirits of the Russian Revolution. I shall take up these two points in order. I. When you travel in Russia you arc struck by the fact that the Revolution has destroyed so little, even in the places where it was most active; there are the traces of machine gun bullets on the facades of public structures and even on houses that served as shelters for one hostile faction or the other; some houses were burned down, very few of them to be sure, much fewer than the houses that deteriorate and go to pieces because of the economic poverty of the country, blockaded and unable to make the necessary repairs, even such as are indispensable in the case of a city built on marshy soil, as is Petrograd. But nowhere is there anything comparable to the destruction produced by the war, anything that would even remotely resemble Reims or Arras. The only city in which art monuments have been seriously damaged is Yaroslav, and here we are dealinjr not with the work of the revolution, but with that of counter-revolutionists in the pay of the Entente Governments, whose official repre- sentatives had leisure to carry on their plots under the cover of diplomatic immunity, ready to starve the Russian people, in the h^^P^ of overthrowing the Soviet Government, as clearly appears from the facts as reported by Rene Marchand. The iconoclastic tendencies observable in the French Revolution are not to be found in the Russian Revolution: there is nothing here re- tembling the destruction of statues representing personages of the Old Testament, in the galleries of Notre-Dame-de-Paris, which were destroyed be- cause they were taken for statues of the kings of France. To be sure, emblems of the tsarist regime have been torn down in certain places, but Luna* charsky. People's Commissar for Public Instruc- tion, has succeeded in having all those objects spared which had any historic or artistic value, and the double eagles of the Russian Empire are still perched over the Kremlin. Certain modern statues of Russian generals that were particularly hated as representatives of the tsarist regime of oppression of the people have been destroyed, but none of them was of any real artistic value. The painted and carved effigies of the former rulers were saved wherever they bad any esthetic value, and the losses in this field are insignificant Even the opponents of the Government recognise this fact You should read in this connection the curious book of Polovtsev: Art Treasures in Russia under the Bolshevist Regime. The author is a savage opponent of the Bolsheviki, as is proved by that sentence in his book in which he resents the excellent good taste displayed by Lunacharsky. Polovtsev, visiting the old imperial palace at Pavlovsk, cries out: "I could never understand how a man of such fine discrimination and such highly developed esthetic culture could voluntarily become a member of this gang of savage orang- outangs who had seized the power and were abus- ing it in order to destroy everything that makes life tolerable." Polovtsev was in Russia for about a year after the Revolution of November, 1917, and he was engaged chiefly in guarding the im- perial palaces in the neighborhood of Petrograd, particularly at Pavlovsk. His testimony is one- sided but not dishonest. From the facts which he himself observed, and which he recounts with pre- cision, it is clear that he always received the assist- ance he asked from the authorities, and that his petitions to the Bolsheviki, superiors as well as assistants, were always finally grante^r *They fully understood," the author himself writes, "that my work was based on an abstract idea, and they always yielded to this idea." Would he have found under other systems of government so many superior and subaltern officials who were inclined to yield to an abstract idea? I doubt it. The old palaces and Summer residences of the tsars in the neighborhood of Petrograd have there- fore not only not been destroyed or pillaged, but much encouragement has been given to the work of cataloguing their furnishings and collections, and the palaces have been turned into museums, open to the public since June, 1918. Before we take leave of Mr. Polovtsev, let us borrow from him also an account of the impressions he r^ ceived from these first visits, which are so in- dicative of the serious and reflective character of the Russian people (pages 273-274) : •'In June, 1918, we opened to the public die palaces of Tsarskoye Selo, Pavlovsk, Gatchina and Peterhof, two or three days each week, and there were immense crowds to visit thenu At Tsarskoye more than eight thousand persons came on Sundajt Digitized by Google May 1, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 229 and, in order to save the floors, Lukovsky had slippers made out of some old matting which would fit over any size of shoe, We were afraid that the soldiers would never consent to put on these slippers, but we were mistaken. Once, when a man refused to put them on, all those who were grouped around the guide declared that they would not enter the museum until this person had submitted to the rules. At Pavlovsk, I had broken in a certain number of guides, but as they were sometimes overworked, I used to help them on holidays. We had to remind the public that they must not touch objects or furnishings, but if there were any infractions they were due only to oversight, and I have never met wilh a single case of intentional vandalism. In all ^he Summer there was only one case when a visitor had to be ex- pelled from any of these palaces, and although we often heard such exclamations as: That's the way they lived,' or: ^I can see that their life must have been pretty soft in halls like these!' I was espe- cially struck by the number of intelligent questions that were addressed to me and the desire to learn shown by many persons. Teachers' Congresses, Art History courses, organizations of all kinds, ar- range excursions to these palaces; but we always prepared in advance to receive these floods of vi- sitors, and I have often been much touched by let- ters from persons whose names I have forgotten, who asked me for some information, and who re- ferred to the explanations I had given them in the apartments at Pavlovsk." Another characteristic which distinguishes the Russian Revolution from the French Revolution and which has aided in pre- serving works of art is the absence of any strong anti-religious current; the Revolutionists showed themselves to be quite tolerant tov^-\rd the clergy: the churches remain open and have retained all the ostentatious splendor that is characteristic of the orthodox worship: the priests continue to display their rich trumpery, and not only the works of art but also objects of worship which ttre precious only for their material are preserved in a nation which could make excellent use of these materials in bar- ter with foreign countries. ' Another cause for astonishment in my eyes was to find the personnel of the museums almost un- changed. After reading the newspapers in Wes- tern Europe, I had imagined that all the intellect- uals, the whole "Intelligentsia," had been exiled or had refused to cooperate with the new system. As far as the custodians of art museums and art objects are concerned, this is entirely untrue: the first historian of Russian art, the pointer Igor Cra- bar, is stationed at the Tretyakov Museum, devoted to Russian painting in Moscow, and has charge of the whole museum; the staff* of the Ermitage Mu- seum at Petrograd is almost intact. *The Master of the Ceremonies," Count Tolstoy, who managed this museum under Tsar ism, has fortunatelv been replaced by the custodian of the section of Cera- mics and Goldsmith Work, the young and ener- getic Troinitsky, who contiues to devote immense ei«rgy to the conservation, increase, and reorgani- zation of this museum, one of the finest in the world; the Ermitage also has^ obtained an excellent addition to its forces in the person of the painter Alexandre Benois, who is very well known in Russia, the founder of the society Mir Iskusstva (The World of Art), who had an exposition this Summer in Paris and who also had some pictures in the Autumn Salon. Alexandre Benois, who had always been unrecognized under the tsarist regime, has become the chief custodian of the section of painting. Count Zubov, who founded an Institute for ,the History of Art in I9II, remains at the head of his "Socialist" Institute. I have spoken to all these scholars and have had an opportunity to con- verse with them at length. I spent a day with Zubov at Pavlovsk in the Palace and in the splendid park of which Polovtsev speaks at such length; I visited the gallery of the Ermitage several times, accompanied by its custodians. I may therefore speak with full knowledge of the condition of these museums, of the changes through which they have passed in these latter years, of their present or- ganization, and of the circumstances of the cus- todians. From Petrograd, when it was exposed to an at- tack from the sea, when Russia was still at war with Germany, a portion of the Ermitage collec- tions were evacuated, particularly the precious ob- jects and a great number of the Southern Russian antiquities. Under the Kerensky regime, it was de- cided to transfer all the rest to Moscow. In Sep- tember and October, 1917, two trains, bearing more than 800 cases, were dispatched from Petrograd. A third consignment was to complete the transfer, but did not take place because of the Bolshevik Revolution, which came at just that time. There remained at the Ermitage only the ancient sculptures, and almost all the modem sculptures, the prints, and the glasses. At Moscow, where the cases were piled in the Kremlin and in the Historical Museum on the Red Square, contiguous with the Kremlin, these master- pieces were exposed to great danger during the No- vember Revolution, in the midst of street fights and bombardments that were concentrated precisely on these points, but fortunately nothing was da- maged. Plan to Divide Up Collections Later, the Ermitage collections, in their Moscow shelter, were exposed to another risk: that of being divided among various Russian cities; in certain circles, which had great influence on the Com- mission for Museums and Monuments, attached to the Commissariat of Public Instruction, the idea of decentralization was very strong, with the ob- ject of creating a great number of centers of cul- ture. It was pointed out, not without reason, that the predominance granted to Petrograd as an intel- lectual center was quite artificial. Created at the whim of an autocrat who doted on Western civili- zation, this city had usurped the place of Moscow, the ancient capital, and the tsars who succeeded Peter the Great had made every effort to accumulatt Digitized by Google 230 SOVIET RUSS 1 A May 1, 1922. at Petrograd all the art treasures which they were able to purchase with the wealth produced by the exploitation of the people. But in 1905, Pe- togr'ad had revealed itself as a revolutionary city; it had been abandoned by the Court, which no longer felt secure in this city, becoming more and more modern, and where the industrial element was beginning to acquire immense importance, and had gone to live in the palaces of the environs during the Summer, and on the shores of the Black Sea in the Winter. A strong feeling was aroused in certain circles at that time, in favor of bringing the seat of the Government to Moscow, and the Bolsheviki have not done anything more revolutionary in this res- pect than carry out intentions which in their origin were not of a revolutionary nature at all. Having become a capital, Moscow, of course, sought to obtain institutions of culture, particu- larly museums, that were more complete than those that they already had, particularly in the matter of European art up to the end of the 18th century, for the Rumyantsev Gallery of paintings is quite inade- quately supplied in this field. Furthermore, the Bolsheviki are inclined, as I have said above, to multiply the numbers of centers of culture and to make of the museums above all establishments for popular instruction and educa- tion. Among the museum custodians on the other hand, there predominates the idea of preserving art works and engaging in special studies, to be carried out by connoisseurs and technical men: they naturally are in favor of an accumulation of works in a single place, and to retaining them in the place that is traditionally theirs. Besides, there is a great number of museum officials in Russia, as one may learn from Polovtsev's book, who have a certain affection for the historical memories under which the collections were accumulated and for the princes who collected them. The ErmUage Collections Returned in 1920 The result is two diametrically opposed points of view, and a struggle between the custodians re- presenting the old regime and the new Central power. In the specific case of the Ermitage, more for material than for spiritual reasons; there wras not sufficient space available at Moscow, any more than in any of the provincial cities; it would have been necessary to construct buildings, and in viow of the famine of materials and foodstuffs, in the midst of the political preoccupation with the defense of the Government, attacked from all sides, this was impossible. It was therefore decided that the Ermitage collections should again take their place in their traditional home as soon as Petrograd should no longer be menaced by bands armed by counter-revolutionaries. The operation of transfer was carried out effi- ciently and with dispatch, thanks to the intervention of the Commissariat of War. In two days, No- vember 15-17, 1920, all the cases were put on spe- cial trains, which arrived at Petrograd on the 18th. On the morning of the 19th, the Ermitage was again in possession of its treasures, and beginning with November 28, the Rembrandt Gallery was again open to the public. By January 1, 1921, the gal- lery of paintings had been completely restored to its former state and has since been regularly open to the public on Thursdays and Sundays. This shows how much truth there is in the le- gends concerning Bolshevik vandalism and the uses to which the canvasses of Rembrandt were said to have been put. As to the attitude taken by the learned staff of the museums toward the Central Government, this has certainly been much improved by the change in government: imder Tsarism their dependence was very definite and they were much more subject to arbitrary acts on the part of the central author- ity. The Ermitage at present has a supervisory council consisting of all the custodians, members of the Academy, and professors, a body which ap- points the new custodians or assistants by election, makes transfers, in short, itself regulates internal affairs. The custodians enjoy a great degree of in- dependence, each in his section, and they are de- pendent on the director only in administrative matters. From the start, the custodians very definitely an- nounced their intention not to meddle in politics, but to remain independent as to the technical affairs in their specific branches. The speculation cher- ished by certain artists, after the revolution — as we shall see below — to profit by the confusion due to the analogous names of certain political and art tendencies, in order to have a preponderant influ- ence granted them officially, led at first to conflicts with the custodians of the Ermitage, who held their ground and refused to admit cubists, futurists, or suprematists, to install themselves as masters in a museum intended primarily for the works of the old art (although it has since become accessible to 19th century works that were formerly excluded) . The socialization of great private estates, the seizure of the most important private collections, as well as imperial palaces, residences and parks, has considerably increased the number and the ex- tent of the public museums: the Ermitage has grown by two kilometers of galleries borrowed from the Winter Palace, permitting a much better hang- iig of its collections, which have been increased by new specimens, obtained chiefly from the im- perial palaces, where many works were buried, and from private collections. But in general, the great private collections have been retained as charac- teristic units, in their former state. Thus die Yu- supow and Stroganov palaces at Petrograd havi* preserved, in the framework of their 18th century architecture, almost all the paintings belonging to them, which constitute an integral portion of iheir furnishings. Private Collections at Moscow. Similarly, the very modem collections gathered by the great Moscow industrials, Morozov and Shchukin, have remained intact, and it is still pf)s- Digitized by Google May 1, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 231 Bible to see the Maurice Denis and Matisse canvases in th^ places originally assigned them. Moscow thus possesses two really great museums of modem French painting, from Manet to Pi- casso and the cubists, such as may not be found even in Paris, and you must now go to Moscow if you would fully appreciate the work of Gauguin. The owners of collections who have remained in Russia have not been driven from their homes; they have remained as custodians of their collec- tions on the condition that they make them acces- sible to the public at regular intervals; they have simply been limited to a smaller number of dwell- ing rooms. Morozov himself tells this in an inter- view published some time ago by Felix Feneon in the Bulletin de la Vie Artistique, issued by the Bernheim Galleries, Paris. The museums are becoming centers of artistic education, connected with the organization of pro- letarian culture that will be spoken of later; they give courses and lectures; the custodians and assist- ants serve as guides to groups of workers and pupils. All this is necessarily still at a rudimentary stage. For the most part the professors and guides are people of the old regime who are more in- clined to maintain ancient memories than to open up the souls of their hearers in the spirit of the tasks of the new time. Comrade Nathalie Trotsky, who is particularly busy in this department, and with whom I had a long conversation on this sub- ject, is fully aware of the necessity of educating a new staflF, which, while completely equipped with the necessary technical knowledge, will have a dif- ferent mentality and will not speak to the people with melancholy longings for the splendor that has been handed down from the old regime, but will bring out the full human value of the art works and will interest the public in the creative artist and in the very source of his inspiration as found in the life around him and in the soul of the people. Comrade N. Trotsky, who is imbued with the new spirit, frequently encounters the resistance and the misunderstanding of the "specialists" in this mat- ter. Here, as in all other things, the work of revo- lutionary creation cannot be accomplished in one day nor brought about by any sudden shock. The good will of the people will not be found lacking: in its desire to obtain instruction and develop its mind, it will respond enthusiastically to every at- tempt in this direction. Although the population of Petrograd has gone down more than half, and although the Ermitage is now open only twice a week (instead of six times before the war), the number of visitors is about ten thousand a month, while it was eighteen thousand before the war; in other words, the relative number has increased con- siderably. In spite of economic difficulties, poverty, the lowered vitality necessarily resulting from insuf- ficient nutrition, the Russian people are hungrv for knowledge, for experience, for acquisition of tiie things of which they have been too long deprived, in the domain of the spirit. ENDORSED BY LABOR BODIES The past week has brought the endorsement of several central labor bodies to the F. S. R. These are: Everett, Wash., Central Labor Council; Elyria, Ohio, and Lorain, Ohio, Central Labor Union; Passaic, N. J., Trades and Labor Council; and the L)mn, Mass., Chamber of Labor. The support of organized labor to the F. S. R. is growing daily. The workers of America are realizing more and more that the fight of Soviet Russia against famine is the fight of the workers of the world. WORKING GIRLS RAISE $3,400 The working class enthused with its work can do anything. Thus, the working girls of tlie Unity House of New York City raised the magnificent sum of $3,400 for famine relief, as the result of eight weeks' work on the part of forty girls. Having decided that it was the duty of all fellow workeis to do their utmost for the suflFering mil- lions in Russia, these girls gave up their bedrooms, their dining room; they sacrificed every comfort for eight weeks. During this time, they worked in their shops in the day time, and returned at night to work at the many bits of artistic creations that later sold at the bazaar for large sums of money. FROM A LITTLE GIRL "Dear little Russian children: I am a little girl at eleven years. My name is Lucile Arterbum. I am in the sixth grade at school. I am awful sor- row you all are on starvation. I wish you children were here to go to school. They are making up some money for you all here in town. And the school is making up some money too so you all can get some bread and something to wear. The March flowers are in bloom here now. My father gave you all $5. I go to school every day.... I hope how soon you all get this letter. And I also hope how soon you all get the money we have made up for you here. We have made up somewhat about $60 here in town. You little American friend, Lucile." THE ROLL CALL The Roll Call is becoming the biggest thing that the working class of America has undertaken in the matter of famine relief. Every week, the National Office of the F. S. R. must order more Roll Calls. The demand is growing; everybody wants to help. Everybody wants to inscribe his name on the Roll Call, as a testimonial of sympathy and solidarity with Soviet Russia. Ministers, teachers, physicians, lawyers, engineers and then the whole American working class — all in a body are doing their utmost at this crucial moment in the life of 30,000,000 human beings in Soviet Russia. This hour and this situation are the test of the sincerity of a man's protestations! Digitized by Google 232 SOVIET RUSSIA May I, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA Official Organ or THE FRIENDS OF SOVIET RUSSIA Published Semi-Monthly aOl Wert 13lh Sueel, New York, N. Y. D«Toted to ■preadlng iofonnatioa aboat Ra«U, with th« ■pedfic purpoM of Informing American rcadera on tlie inatitudsns mai conditions in that country, ao tlut they may fe^l tho ■eceaaity of bending every effort to fight the famino that thxaatena to deatroy the Revolution and ita achierementa. OFHCERS OF THE FRIENDS OF SOVIET RUSSU E%4cuUv0 Committee : ADoB S. Brams Jaa. P. Cannon Dr. J. Wilenkin Dr. Wm. Uendelaoa Caleb Harriaoa Dr. Leo S. Reichel Dr. J. W. Hartmann. Treeeurer A. B. Martin. Net'l Secretsry Wb. Z. Foater Elmer T. AlUaoB Lttdwig Loro Edgar Owena Mas Eastman Prof. H. W. L. Dana Marguerite Prevej Jay C. Brown Advisory Committee; Roae Paator Stokea Hulet M. Wella Wm. F. Dunne J. Louia Engdahl Dennia E. Batt Alice Rifgt Hunt Capt. Paiton Hibben Robert Minor Charles Baker J. O. BentaU Jack Carney Mary Heaion Vttso Ella Reeve Blaor Albert Rbya Williams Elisabeth C. Flynn O APALLO, fifteen miles from Genoa, is the ■^ scene of a new treaty signed April 16, Easter Sunday, by Soviet Russia and Germany. We can- not immediately present our readers with the text of this important document, which enlarges and replaces the provisions of the treaty signed be- tween the two countries at Berlin on May 7, 1921, with which our readers already are acquainted (see Soviet Russia, July, 1921). But we hope that some other periodical of more frequent ap- pearance may secure this text and publish it be- fore our next issue. Last year's treaty with Ger- many was ignored by the general reader for the reason that the press was still dominated by a desire to print nothing but slanders about Russia at that time. The importance of the Genoa Con- ference and the impossibility of doing anything serious at the Conference without a full considera- tion of Russia's position and Russia's claims make it probable that the new document may receive full and early publication and study in America. m m • THE scant details printed in the afternoon dailies of April 17 permit us to infer that the signing of the new treaty is a step in advance. In our last issue we were still pointing with pride to the modest achievement of the Preliminary Trade Agreement with Sweden as a thing of great importance. We now face the fact of a full recog- nition of Soviet Russia by the Republic of Ger- many, while the Republic of the United States still carries the name of Boris Bakhmetiev as "Envoy Extraordinary and Minister Plenipotentiary" on its Diplomatic List, although the government which •ent him over died nearly five years ago after an existence of but a few months. Many indications in the relations between Russia and Germany will now be interpreted as harbingers of the full treaty just signed. But a few weeks ago the old Tsarist Embassy at Berlin was turned over to the Soviet Representative and occupied by him and his staff. Commercial transactions of great volume have taken place between the two countries in recent months, and the interference with the business of Russian delegates in Germany, once a characteristic of these activities, had practically ceased. • • • "DREST-LITOVSK is annulled. The peace which the German people had made with its im- perialistic government, over the heads of the Rus- sian people, — a peace which Miss Emma Goldman the other day declared had been made by the Bolsheviki with the German imperialism over the heads of the German people — has been replaced, in spite of the sluggish course of the German workers and the desperate resistance of the Ger- man reactionaries, by a peace that begins to ap- proach at least the interests of the workers both of Russia and Germany. * * * TPHE Treaty of Brest-Litovsk was forced upon the ^ unwilling leaders of the Russian proletariat at a moment when they knew they were unable to ofifer any serious resistance. It was signed March 3, 1918. It took away from Russia the old provinces of Esthonia, Livonia, Kurland, Lithua- nia, and Poland, in addition to Ardakhan, Kara, and Batum in Caucasia, and obliged Russia to evacuate such portions of Anatolia as it had under occupation, as well as all of Armenia. Of course the Republic of the Russian workers and peasants had no intention of forcing its rule on outside territories, and therefore had no reluctance to over- come in relinquishing the lands of other races. The Soviet Government was obliged to clear of Red Guards all the territory over which it had been forced to retreat during the last German ad- vance, to cease all hostilities against Finland and Ukraine, and to recognize the treaty of the Central Empires with the "Ukrainian Republic**. For the Germans were about to aid in wiping out the Red Republic of Finland, and wanted their troops to encounter no resistance from the Russian Red Guards, and Ukraine was to be the catspaw of Ger- many and Austria for the purpose of completing the economic strangling of Russia. But Soviet Rus- sia was forced to renounce all intervention in the future organization of the lands detached from Russia by the treaty, and Germany and Austria rather vaguely declared that they would regulate the future lot of these provinces in "agreement with their populations'*. Germany was practically permitted by the treaty to continue the blockade in the Baltic Sea against Russia; Esthonia and Livonia (now Latvia) were to continue under Ger- man occupation until "the establishment of law and order", and a special agreement was provided for a later date, between Russia, Germany, Fin- land, and Sweden, to which other Baltic countries might also be invited. All war indemnities were declared waived, it was mutually promised to ex- change all prisoners of war, and economic matters were set aside as the subjects of later agreementSw Digitized by Google May 1, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 233 D UT the agreement to waive indemnities pro- '^ vided by the Brest-Litovsk Treaty turned out to be illusory as far as any advantages to Russia were concerned. It was not the Brest Treaty itself which prescribed certain payments in gold to be made by Soviet Russia to Germany, but a set of new agreements ratified at Berlin on September 6, 1918, between the Russian Soviet Government and the German Imperial Government, including, to- gether with supplementary provisions of a political nature and matters connected with exchange, patents, and arbitration, also a series of clauses constituting practically a **Supplementary Finan- cial Treaty'*. This treaty assigned to Germany a sum of 6,000,000,000 marks, declared to be due (a) for the war losses of German subjects on Rus- sian territory or through Russian occupation, and (6) for the expenses incurred by Germany in hous- ing and feeding her Russian prisoners. Possibly for the reason that Russia did not hold an equally large number of German prisoners of war, no {provision was included for indemnifying Russia or the care of such German prisoners. Stipula- tions for payment of these 6,000,000,000 marks by Russia were made under the following four distinct heads: 1. 2,500,000,000 marks to be floated as a 6 per cent Russian loan. 2. 1,000,000,000 marks to be delivered in goods, not later than March 31, 1920 (the cash payment being increased by this sum if the goods provided for should fail to be delivered). 3. 1,500,000,000 marks in cash. This sum was divided into two portions: (a) 545,000,000 rubles in Tsarist paper money, then valued at the rate of iy2 marks to 1 ruble; (fc) 245,564 kilograms of fine gold, estimated as worth 683,000,000 gold marks. The first instalment, 42,860 kilograms in gold, and 90,900,000 paper rubles was to be paid September 10, and was actually paid on that date. The second instalment was declared due on Sep- tember 30, after which there were to be three more instalments, payable at intervals of one month. 4. The balance of 1,000,000,000 marks was to be paid to Germany by Finland and Ukraine. BuJ shortly after these provisions were ratified by Russia and Germany, came the abortive Ger- man Revolution. After November 8, 1918, of course the Soviet Government made no further payments to Germany, and even the German im- perialists — who remained in the saddle in spite of the "Revolution" — had sufficient sense of humor not to demand further payments, which would only have been appropriated under the Armistice terms imposed by the Allies. For now the "scrap of paper" practice was being turned against the Ger- mans — they were being treated to their own medi- cine. But Russian diplomacy was under no obliga- tion to oflFer posthumous explanations of why they were treating the Brest-Litovsk Treaty as a "scrap of paper". The Russians had made it perfectly clear in advance that they would honor tne terms of this "Peace of Tilsit", the "brigand peace", as it was universally designated among Russian leaders, only so long as their enemy still held them by the throat and still had the power to en- force their compliance with its brutal terms. Lenin, for instance, less than two weeks after the signing of the Treaty of Brest-Litovsk, declared in a speech delivered at Moscow before the Fourth AU-Russian Congress of Soviets (March 14-16, 1918), that **we have been compelled to sign a Peace of Tilsit; we must not deceive ourselves; we must have the courage to face the bitter, unembellished truth." **We have signed a Tilsit peace. When Napoleon L forced Prussia in 1807 to accept the Tilsit peace, the con- queror had defeated all the German armies, occupied the capital and all the large cities, established his police, com- pelled the conquered to give him auxiliary corps in order to wage new wars of plunder for the conquerors, and he dismembered Germany, forming an alliance with some German states against other German stales. And, never- theless, even after such a peace, the German people were not subdued. They managed to recover, to rise, and to win the right to freedom and independence. *To any person able and willing to think, the example of the Tilsit peace, which was only one of the many op- pressive and humiliating treaties forced upon the Germans in that epoch, shows clearly how childishly naive is the thought that an oppressive peace is ruinous under all circumstances, and that war is the road of valor and salvation. The war epochs teach us that peace has in many cases in history served as a respite to gather strength for new battles. The Peace of Tilsit was the great humilia- tion for Germany and at the same time the turning point to the greatest national awakening. At that time the historical environment offered only one outlet for this awakening — a bourgeois state. At that time, over a hun- dred years ago, history was made by a handful of noble- men and small groups of bourgeois intellectuals, while the mass of workers and peasants were inactive and inert. Owing to this, history could crawl only with awful slow- ness. "Now capitalism has considerably raised the level of culture in general and of the culture of the masses in S articular. The war aroused the masses, awakened them y its unheard of horrors and sufferings. The war has given impetus to history and now history is rushing along with the speed of a locomotive. History is now being independently made by millions and tens of millions of people. Capitalism has now become ripe for Socialism. "Thus, if Russia now moves — and it cannot be denied that she does move — from a Tilsit peace to a national awakening and to a great war for the fatherland — the outlet of such an awakening leads not to the bourgeois state but to an international Socialist revolution. We are 'resistants* since November, 1917. We are for the 'defence of our fatherland'. But the war for the fatherland towards which we are moving is a war for the Socialist fatherland, for Socialism, in which we fight as a part of the interna- tional army of Socialism.** The Allies are perhaps "a portion of that force that ever works for ill and yet produces good." At any rate, they have worked so hard to reduce both Russia and Germany to a condition where there was little left for them to do, aside from taking this step of making a joint demonstration against their oppressors. This step was certainly "disloyal" ac- cording to the expression of Lloyd George — who had accustomed himself to think of these two coun- tries in terms of British dependencies. The treaty of Rapallo seems to indicate that Germany and Russia have not yet undergone that "change of heart" that would enable them to appreciate the blessings of real freedom and democracy as ex- pressed in British overlordship. Digitized by Google 234 SOVIET RUSSIA May 1, 1922. Hoover's View on Russian Transportation By Paxton Hibben (The Secretary of the Near East Reliefs Special Russian Commission here compares Secretary Hoover's estimates with those of other relief authorities.) M [R. HOOVER, it seems, is determined that no L one shall save the starving Russians but him- self. This might be all right, if he would only save them. But the peculiar attitude which he has taken recently that the Russian railways either can- not or will not deliver the American grain laid down in Russian ports for the famine sufferers and that therefore it is useless either for Congress to Mr. Hoover, will be deliver- ed at these same ports dur- ing the next thirty days and the prospects are that shipments will continue to pile up at the ports, with very little chance of the Russian railroads being able to transport to the famine area much more than the Americm Relief Admutis- tration publicity release 107, March 6: "Incoming cablegrams. Moscow: FoUomng ad- ditional unloadings of corn at Novorossiisk Ship- ped into Russia: Feb. 23, 1,383 tons; Feb. 21, 1,269 tons; Feb. 22, 1,069 tons." appropriate further funds for the shipment of food amount shipped during the Telegram from *'Vesmik**: .f ij..tL:„'o ofo^.r;r,cr r«illion« fiT for nrivatc relief last thirty days. "Moscow, Feb. 21: j;he "The best shipment to Russia's starving millions or for private relief committees to solicit contributions for the same purpose, distinctly is not feeding the starving Rus- sians. It is, one might say, rather talking them to death. Mr. Hoover's position is the more re- markable in that his own representatives in Russia do not seem to agree with him as to the service of which Russian ports and railways are capable, while chairman Albert A. Johnson, of the Russian Commission of the Near East Relief, as well as myself, testifying before the Senate Committee on Agriculture as to our own personal observation of transport conditions in Russia, put ourselves on record as believing that the Russian railways and, shortly, when spring breaks up the ice in the Don and the Volga, Russian waterways, can handle all the food Mr. Hoover's $20,000,000 will buy and as much again, besides. In this connection there are some very curious results to be obtained from a comparison of Mr. Hoover's statements to the press with statements from members of his own organization, as well as from other informed sources. Thus: one day into the famine area was 1,400 tons. Nor- mally the Russian railroads to those regions should be able to transport 20,000 tons, Mr. Hoover said, at- tributing the diflSculty ex- perienced in handling the grain in Russia to lack of ifuel, dilapidated equipment and incompetent manage- ment of the railways." Mr, Hoover: Associated Press dispatch, Washington, March 6: •*The number of persons who will die from starvation Ib famine-stricken Russia is almost wholly dependent on the Russian railways now transporting grain jfor the American Relief Adminis- tration, Secretary Hoover dedared today. **During the past thirty days 100,000 tons of seed wheat and foodstuffs have been delivered to seven dif- ferent ports on the Baltic and Black Seas, but only 25.000 tons has been trans- ported over Russia's demora- lised rail system. "American relief ships have delivered the seed and foodstuffs to Reval, Riga, Libau and Danzig, on the Baltic, and Novorossiisk, Theodosia and Odessa on the Black Sea. From 120,- 000 to 140.000 additional tons of stuff, according to American Relief Adminis- tration publicity release 10^, March 6: "Incoming cablegrams Moscow: Unloading of ships of com at Novoros- sii^ and dispatching trains into Russia proceeding not only satisfactorily but be- yond all expectations. S. S. Winnebago finished unload- ing February 19. No train delay. Altogether 8 out of 18 trains with corn purchas- ed with Congressional ap- propriation of 120,000,000 already dispatched into fa- mine region. Following lo- cation of trains en route: Trains 1 and 3 now between Penza and Samara; trains 2. 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 11 and 13 between Kozlov and Du- basova, which is junction point southwest of Penza. Trains 10, 12, and 14 are at Balashev. Train 16 at Tsa- ritftin, train 15 at Likhaya, train 17 on way to Rostov and 18 on way to Tsaritsin." first A. R. A. steamer 'Win- nebago* at Novorossiisk, in spite of storms, etc., was discharged 29 hours before the appointed time. The A. R. A. eulogises the intel- ligent enthusiasm of the Novorossiisk dockers for ex- erting their utmost to re- lieve their Volga brothers. A. R. A. steamers are ex- pected to arrive at Odessa shortly. The G)nstantinople authorities have promised to advise Odessa of the pas- sage of A. R. A. steamers to enable their speedy dis- charge. The Nikolaiev port is fully equipped to accom- modate and discharge 20 steamers simultaneously.** It is interesting to note that the ports of Reval, Riga, Libau and Danzig, which Mr. Hoover men- tions, are, none of them, in Russia. The port of Nikolaiev, where according to Russian official in- formation, twenty ships can be discharged simul- taneously, was not being used so far as may be learned from Mr. Hoover's statement. Of Theo- dosia, a '*Vestnik" dispatch from Moscow, of Feb- ruary 10, quoted Colonel Haskell, after inspecting the port, as having "declared himself fully satis- fied with the port facilities available, the supply of dock labor, the railway connections, etc." Be- sides the three Black Sea ports mentioned by Mr. Hoover, there are seven others of which he says nothing. The Christian Science Monitor on Feb- ruary 24 quoted Dr. Nansen as saying that he "had computed that, using the full capacity of the rail- ways, 600,000 tons of grain could be carried in be- ' fore May, by which time it must be finished. This was enough to save 6,000,000 or 7,000,000 people. But from this 600,000 tons must be taken the spring sowing, 400,000 tons, which left only 200,000 for food." On the showing of the Amer- ican Relief Administration's publicity, Novoros- siisk alone, at the average daily rate established at the beginning, without improvement, would handle more tonnage in a month than Mr. Hoover says all the ports used by the A. R. A. handled in February. What then is the prospect "that shipments will Digitized by Google May 1, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 235 continue to pile up at the ports", as Mr. Hoover puts it? But there is a more serious parallel to be drawn between Mr. Hoover's position and that of others on this head. It is evident in the following: American Relief Adminis- tration's publicity release 110, March 6: ^Incoming cables. Mos- cow: Sir Benjamin Robert- son, Director of three re- cently amalgamated British Relief Societies — the Rus- sian Famine Relief Fund, Save the Children Fund and the Society of Friends, and (he world's foremost famine authority, who for 35 years has been with British Gov- emment of Central Province of India, in a speech at Liv- erpool February 25, declared that even if the British Government gave one mil- lion pounds sterling it would be impossible to spend it usefully in the next two months. His visit to Russia was with concur- rence of British Government on behalf of Imperial War Relief Fond. He said that the Russian railways are strained to breaking point by American eflfort, and he advised leaving the Ameri- cans unhampered to get foodstuflfa in Russia. He further said that America's is the big eflfort that is go- ing to save Russia." Nou: The sum of £1,100,- 000 has since been appro- priated by the British Par- liament for Russian relief. Christian Science Monitor, February 18: SIR B. ROBERTSON HOPES TO RAISE 500,000 POUNDS FOR RUSSIA London, Feb. 18 (Special cable). — Sir Benjamin Rob- ertson, interviewed here last night on behalf of The Christian Science Monitor on the subject of his recent visit to Russia. . . It is in this respect he holds that the British eflfort in the Rus- sian area has most to learn from Americans. The most recent news he received points out that the Baltic ports are now so much ob- structed with ice as to in- terfere greatly with the im- port of grain on that side of Russia. In any case, he thinks that the entire ca- pacity of the Russian rail- ways ought to be devoted to the heavy task of transport- ing 350,000 tons of food which Americans are al- ready bringing in. This must take at least six weeks, as the entire Russian rail- way system has ben reduced by revolution to a lament- able state of disorder. He is now himself taking up the practical work of im- proving the organization on the British side and hopes to raise £500,000 an4 to have grain on the spot in Russian ports ready for transport up country early in April, when the Russian railways may be sufficiently clear to handle it, without interfering with transport consignments for the Ameri- can mission.** Of course Mr. Hoover has said nothing about ice obstructing the Northern ports — not an unusual phenomenon, after all — to which he has consigned so large a part of his relief supplies for Russia during these winter months. The impression is left with the public that it is the Soviet Government which is to blame for delays in shipments through these ice-bound harbors. But even aside from this, there would appear to be something mani- festly queer about these two quotations from Sir Benjamin Robertson. It is hardly conceivable that between February 18 and the Liverpool meet- ing of February 25 (which the A. R. A. publicity man ingeniously lays in Moscow), Sir Benjamin Robertson could so completely have changed his mind as would appear from a study of die two qujbtations shove. Compajfratively few ' pteople read the Christian Science Monitor, but the publi- city matter of the American Relief Administration is sent at vast expense broadcast to newspapers throughout the United States. Technically, per- haps. Sir Benjamin Robertson is not misquoted; but the purpose is plain to give the copyreader a fine opportunity to head the article emanating from the Ainerican Relief Administration, "USELESS TO SEND FOOD TO RUSSIA BRITISH FAMINE AUTHORITY DECLARES" or something of the sort By a similar manoeuvre, the New York Evening Journal was induced, on February 17, to put the head "RUSSIAN FAMINE DANGER NEARLY ENDED^' on a statement issued by Mr. Hoover on that date. It would seem fairly evident that the aim of the A. R. A. publicity matter, as the purpose of Mr. Hoover's own declaration of March 6, is plainly to discourage any attempt on the part of Congress to appropriate further funds for famine relief in Russia, and the effect is, of course, to discourage private individuals all over the United States from giving money to save the starving of the Volga valley. In carrying out this purpose, Sir Benja- min Robertson is quoted in a sense wholly at var- iance not only with his own efforts to raise fimds in England to feed Russia's starving, but Dr. Nan- sen's efforts to the same end. If Mr. Hoover is right, then Sir Benjamin Robertson and Dr. Nansen are gulling the European public in asking further aid for Russia's famine stricken millions. But if Mr. Hoover is wrong, and aid can be got to the famine region in time to save more than the 8,000,000 people it is his program to feed, then some 11,000,000 others, who will face stanration through Mr. Hoover's efforts to discourage further relief from the United States, may well haunt Mr. Hoover's dreams for the remainder of his days. READ OUR NEXT ISSUE It will contain several new and striking articles: one on the Future of Art in Russia, by Jacques Mesnil; another by S. Stepniak, an analysis of the great Nihilist movement in Russia, which helped to prepare the minds of the people for the Revolu- tion. SOVIET RUSSIA wants to reach every village and farm in the United States. Do you want to be a subscrip- tion agent? Yoimg people desiring profit- able work for the Sunmier should write us. Note new address: SOVIET RUSSIA 201 West 13th St., New York, N. Y. Room 31 Subscription Price: $2.50 per year; $1.25 for six months. Digitized by Google 236 SOVIET RUSSIA May I. 1922. Is Russia Turning Capitalist? By Leonid Questions are often asked abroad as to whether the Soviet Government is preparing for a complete reintroduction of capitalism in Russia. The author of this article, who is a frequent contributor to **Die Rote Fahne'\ Berlin, thinks not, as may be learned from the article itself, which appeared in his journal on March 16. The fact that Leonid is here writing for German workers will not render his remarks out of place wher^ read in other countries, THE bourgeois press is full of reports of the "resurrection of private capital in Russia.'* Factory owners are reported as again obtaining possession of their concerns, the eight hour day is to be abandoned, and the Russian worker again to become a slave of capital. The Social-Democratic and Independent leaders in Germany, particularly the trade union leaders, are now exploiting this "information" for their purposes. In their press, in meetings, wherever they have an opportunity, they refer the worker to the rebirth of private cpaital in Russia and make the remark: "See to what the communists have brought Russia in their struggle against capitalism — they are now returning to private industry. If you do not wish to suffer the same fate in Germany, you must cast out the commun- ists and follow our advice." These trade union leaders, by their false interpretation of Russian conditions, are exploiting these conditions in order to deter the German workers from any real strug- gle against German capitalists, and to induce them to join with Slinnes in working out his plans. It is therefore urgently necessary to point out in all clarity what is the actual state of the workers in Russia, and whether the many reports of a new enslavement of the Russian working class are true or not. Why Was Private Industry Encouraged? Half a year ago a portion of the Russian in- dustries was denationalized and handed over in part to the cooperatives, in part to private owners, in the form of leaseholds. What is it that induces the Russian workers to take this apparently "un- communislic?" step? ^ The experience of the last few years in Russia has shown that a complete transition to socialist economy is not possible at the present time. Rus- sian industry is far too weak, the semi-capitalist peasantry and petty capital are far too strong. The Russian working class, left in the lurch by the international proletariat, cannot wage war alone against capital, with any chance of success. It is apparent in Russia that a transition period must still be passed through, in which the Proletarian Stale will permit private capital to develop freely, within certain limits, without however giving up the political domination by the proletariat Mean- while, large scale industry, which remains in the hands of die State, will develop and form a basis for the future socialistic economy. Recognizing this historical necessity, the Russian proletariat grimly determined to lease out a portion of their industry, particularly the petty concerns, under specific conditions, to private entrepreneurs. This was done particularly with those industries which could no longer be maintained by the State be- cause of the lack of foodstuffs, fuel, and technical- ly trained labor, and were therefore doomed to an early collapse. In leasing out these concerns, the Slate practically attains three ends. In the first place, the concerns themselves are preserved for the future, i. e., for a future resocialization. In the second place, the lessees oblige themselves to repair the production instruments and to deliver a portion of their product to the State. In the third place, the leasing of these small concerns relieved the national provisioning organs of a certain load and made certain the supply to nation- alized industry. The Struggle with the New Industrial Capitalists A new form of private capital thus arises in Russia. He is in error who believes that this fact is taken lightly in Russia. On the contrary: the significance of a strengthening of private capital in the Proletarian Soviet State is by no means underestimated in Russia. After a defeat, the bourgeoisie always becomes discouraged and cowardly. After a victory — and it is thus that the bourgeoisie regards the admission of private industry to Soviet Russia — it becomes impudent and picks up its courage for new efforts, for new exploitation. There is no doubt that the new private owners will begin to feel their oats in Russia. The first form of their new arrogance will be a sharpened exploitation of the workers in private industries. The workers will have to resist most emphatical- ly. But how? Let us take a concrete case. In a new Russian Erivate factory, the owner undertakes to exploit is workers more severely. He does not observe the Soviet laws, his treaties with the national offices and with the workers themselves ("Collective Con- tracts"), he does not provide the prescribed safe- guards for labor, he does not enforce an eight- hour day. The workers prepare to fight these en- croachments. At first, they seek protection from the Slate. The authorities bring the responsible owners before the courts and punish them. Several such court procedures against owners have already taken place in Russia and will be of great interest for every German working man. In the Russian Province of Vitebsk, a large num- ber of owners faced a grave accusation. The trial showed that a number of serious violations of the Laws on Labor Protection had taken place.* The •An article by S. Kaplun, of the Commissariat of Labott on the subject of these laws will be found in ^Labor Laws of Soviet Russia**, published by the Friends of Sovid Russia. Digitized by Google May 1, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 237 eight-hour day was often exceeded; young workers were much exploited. What was the decision of the court? It sentenced several owners to prison terms, others to heavy fines, half of which sums went to the Volga famine sufferers and half for tlie erection of vacation homes for the workers. This example, taken from a large number of such cases, will show the German worker most clearly what is the difference between a Soviet State and a Democratic German Republic ruled by Social-Democrats. In Russia, the owners get jail sentences from the State for violations of the eight-hour day; in Germany it is the State itself which violates the eight-hour day (as in the case of the Labor Time Law for the railroads)* and leaves the workers to the mercy of their employers. But in the struggles against the owners there will no doubt also be cases in Russia (for instance, when the workers in the private industries make new wage demands) in which the conflict will assume sharper forms, and the support of the State will no longer be sufficient, and will make necessary an independent and militant action of the workers. What then? Shall the workers then stand alone in their struggle, in the private in- dustries? No, they will have a powerful support in the trade unions. New Tasks of the Trade Unions Until recently, there was a profound difference between Western Europe and Soviet Russia both in the content and in the objects of the trade union struggle. After the November Revolution, the old purpose of the trade union movement, i. e., eco- nomic class struggle for the workers, was no longer valid. For the rule of the bourgeoisie had been eliminated, all industry nationalized, the pri- vate owner deposed. Did it follow that the trade anions from then on no longer had any right to exist in Russia, and should be dissolved? By no means. New times mean new tasks. And if there no longer remained any private industry in Russia, the trade unions still had the task of organizing N^,^^^the national industry and taking over the manage- \^ment of the entire economic process, hand in hand \ with the Proletarian Government apparatus.. And besides, the trade unions still retained their old task of labor protection, of regulating wage scales, etc., in which the trade unions no longer functioned . as opponents, but as functionaries, as instruments, L^ofjhe State. Now that private capital is being resuscitated, >^ — the trade unions will lose their government char- acter and recover their former significance for the most part. As the Russian trade unions are again faring an exploiting class, a capitalist class, i they will return to the main task still assumed by / the trade union movement in capitalist Europe: L the organization and systematic guidance of the working class against private owners. The trade anions in Russia will see to it that not a single worker in any private industry will become a help- less victim of capitalist exploitation. They will always aid the workers with every means at their command in securing their demands. They urill even carry out strikes in private enterprises, if no other remedy should be of avail. The Russian trade unions therefore have the same struggle to wage today as have those in Ger- many. And yet there is a mighty difference be- tween the two countries. In Germany, we behold a dictatorship of the bourgeoisie and a persecution of all trade union class struggle (for instance, in the latest railroad strike). In Russia the prole- tariat rules, and the battling trade unions will have the most complete' support of the State. In Germany: trade union leaders allied and co-operat- ing with capital; in Russia: trade union leaders are actual functionaries of the revolutionary work- ing class, and the trade union organizations are a school for the training of a new industrial proletariat Books Reviewed. Although one of the books reviewed below appearod several years ago, we think the name of its author will still entitle it to the attention of our readers, THE JAPS IN SIBERIA: A Record of Repression, Ont- rage, and Murder. An Appeal to International Organ- ized Labor, by Robert Williams, Ben Tillett, M. P^ J. Bromley, Neil Maclean, M. P., J. E. Mills, M. P^ Robert SmilUe. London, 1922. 8-page leaflet. This leaflet, issued by the English labor leaders enumerat- ed above, and circulated by the British '^Hands Off Russia** Committee to all Socialist, Labor, Trade Union Central Organizations, and to the press of the working class moTO- ment throughout the world, is an admirable supplement to the interesting article by Max Strypyansky which ap- peared in Soviet Russia for March 1, 1922. It will be recalled that the material for this article was drawn chiefly from two pamphlets issued by the Special Delegation of the Far Eastern Republic at Washington, D. C, in January and February of this year. Soviet Russia must be defended at all costs from invasion both from the West and from the East, and in the East the first bulwark the enemy will have to surmount is the Far Eastern Republic. That Republic, based on a political philosophy far different from that of the Proletarian Dictatorship, is nevertheless, in spite of its retention of the institution of private property and of a number of other time-dishonored vestiges, so great an advance over the reactionary feudalism of Japan, that the Japanese Covernroent is determined not to tolerate it as a neighbor. The Japanese plan to absorb Siberia must begin by swallowing the Far Eastern Republic, and it is easy therefore to understand that Soviet Russia must hope to see this bulwark maintained as long as possible. After the Japanese hunger for the fisheries and mines of the Maritime Province has dined luxuriantly on these littoral resources, the next gulp will probably aim to in- clude forei^try and cattle morsels farther to the westward, and then Soviet Russia will have to act, for west of Chita is Irkutsk, and then you are already in Soviet Siberia. J. W. H. THROUGH SIBERIA, THE LAND OF THE FUTURR. By Fndtjof Nansen, G. C V. O., D. Sc, Ph. D., Professor of Oceanography in the University of Chria- tiania. (London. Heinemann. 1914). Is there a practical all-water route from Petrograd u Yeniseisk? In August, 1913, the steamer Correct sailed from Tromeo, Norway, carrying three representatiTes of the Siberian Company. Their object was '^nothia'- lem Digitized by Google 238 SOVIET ROJSSIA May 1, 1922. than another serious attempt to open up a regular trade connection with the interior of Siberia via the Kara Sea and the mouth of the Yenisei." Dr. Fridtjof Nansen was the company*s guest of honor, though be remarks that it was a riddle to him why he was made one of the party unless it might be that he was interested in Siberia and had *'had soime little experience of going through the ice." To us it is no riddle. They wisely invited Nansen — Arctic explorer, oceanographer, geographer, ethnologist, states- man. We are fortunate in having his account of that journey by water and land from Tromso to Vladivostok. In wealth of information **Through Siberia, the Land of the Future" is premier among works on Siberia, while it possesses all the charm of description of those earlier books, Tirst Crossing of Greenland" and "Farthest North". As a lifelong student of out-of-door Nature Fridtjof Nansen sees what he looks at and makes scientific inferences from what he sees; his inferences reach into deep waters and beneath tundra and mountain; they connect the present with a prehistoric past. On August 25, twenty days after leaving Tromso, the Correct reached the Yenisei Estuary, thirty miles wide. ^'What a huge broad mass of water flows out into the Arctic Ocean here; it makes a powerful impression. It gives one the feeling of being at the entrance of one of the great water-arteries of the world." Much of this water has come all the way from the mountains of Mongolia. The Yenisei, including its tributaries the Selenga and Angara (outlet of lake Baikal) is about 3000 miles long with a drainage basin of 970,000 sq. miles. Before going far the Correct met a steamer and two lighters from up river with cargoes to be taken in ex- change for the cement with which the Correct was loaded. On board one of the lighters were two camels from Mongolia, two bears from the Siberian forests, a wolf and a roebuck, all going to Europe to be sold. "The deck of the other lighter was filled with great beams of Siberian cedar, deal and pine. In the hold they had bales of flax and hemp, hides, wool and hair. Then there were quantities of reindeer and elk horns, and about thirty tons of graphite, etc. It gave one a sense of standing at the gate of an immense country which con- tained everything from the tundra and forests of the north to the deserts of Mongolia far to the south." Chang- ing to a much smaller boat, the Omul, the party proceeded on the up-river trip of more than a thousand miles. This aflforded Dr. Nansen opportunity to study the chief of Siberia's most northern industries: the fishing carried on every summer in the lower part of the Yenisei; this stream, turbid yet unpolluted, is one of the great fishing-rivers of the world. On they go through seemingly endless tundra, then gradually into wooded land. The first trees are small larches in lat. 69^ 43* N., growing in soil underlain by permanently frozen earth. But imperceptibly there is increase in size and variety; they are slowly gliding into the most extensive forest in the world. "From here it spreads unbrokenly to the cultivated tracts and steppes of the south, and far to the south of lake Baikal — an extent of more than 1200 miles in a straight line from north to south— and from the Ural Mountains on the west to the Pacific and Kamchatka on the east, more than 3700 miles, a single continuous mantle of forest, only broken by the broad waters of quiet-fioiring rivers. This is the Siberian tmga." Room, plainly, for the making of wide meadow-lands and hence for the rearing of horses and cattle. At length an actual agricultural region. "There is a splendid deep soil, rich in mould. . . What a rich cotmtry, what immense future possibilities." September 21 Dr. Nansen reached the city of Yeniseisk, where he left the river to travel more than two hundred miles in a four-wheel tarantass, going — as is usual in Siberian travel — anight and day, the horses on a gallop, over good roadM and bad; hence a fearful jolting. "I never expected to hold together so long." Then by rail to Vladivostok. At each important point Dr. Nansen was met by geogra- phic societies, oflBciids and crowds of p^dple — ^all interested in the object of the journey; for, in spite of the trans- Siberian railway, the people feel that their most important products are shut in. 'These great rivers seem made for the traffic. . . They all seem to point to the Arctic Ocean as the solution." Dr. Nansen makes it clear that the call of the soil— crying for the plough — is reenforced by the lure of mineral wealth, especially in the Ural region: gold, iron, copper, silver, lead, coal, and oil; though the real gold of Siberia is her rich black soil. 'Through Siberia" is well indexed, while three maps and over 150 illustrations add greatly to the interest of the text. It closes with a valuable appendix on the navigation of the Kara Sea. In summing up, the author points out that "the difficulties of navigation from Europe to the estuaries of the Yenisei and Obi lie almost exclusively in the ice conditions of the Kara Sea, between Novaya Zemlya and Yamal, and we must be prepared in some years to find the passage of this sea difficult, occasionally very difficult, while the season during which navigation is pos- sible is always short." But he indicates that a degree of mastery of the Kara Sea may be achieved through a systematic study of its oceanographic and meteorological features; knowledge so gained — supplemented with con- tinuous yearly surveys of ice conditions by means of the wireless telegraph and the aeroplane or hydroplane — will be indispensable to a successful development of the sea route in question. One closes this book with the conviction that Siberia is, indeed, as Dr. Nansen so felicitously terms it, "The land of the future". E. H. Branch Activities SUPERIOR, Wis., recently held a most success- ful tag day, netting $864. When the F. S. R. organ- izer reached Superior, and asked permission to speak to the high school pupils on the matter of relief, the request was readily granted by the prin- cipal. BALTIMORE, Md., has held a very successful bazaar that enlisted the acivity of the whole branch. BROCKTON, Mass., conducted a house-to-house collection. The comrades received a donation from the well-known manufacturers, the W. L. Douglas Shoe Co., in the form of 100 pairs of shoes. COLUMBUS, Ohio, is conducting a food and clothing drive. This is the largest thing that the Colmnbus comrades have attempted and they pro- mise to excell. EUREKA, Cal., held a fine entertainment, and reaped a neat simi for relief. MINNEAPOLIS, Minn., is arranging a concert with volunteer artistic talent. A well-biown Min- neapolis painter has contributed a work of art to the Minneapolis branch. CHICAGO, 111., has an insatiable appetite for Roll Calls. The comrades are sending out 37,500 Calls and promise to make the record during the campaign. Chicago has despatched a carload of shoes, clothing, seed wheat, medicines, tools, etc. The Volkszeitungy New York City, has contribut- ed two truckloads of clothing. Clothes continue to come in from all parts. Canada is about to make a large shipment. Digitized by Google May 1, 1922. SOVIETRUSSIA 239 Financial Statement, Friends of Soviet Russia For Period August 9, 1921— February 28, 1922, FRIENDS OF SOVIET RUSSIA National Office, New York, N. Y. 201 West 13th Street RECEIPTS AND DISBURSEMENTS From date of organization, August 9, 1921 to February 28, 1922. The INCOME of the National Office is received chiefly from Local F. S. R. Conferences and Workers' Organizations. Receipts are issued for income received. Receipt Nos. 1 to 3379 for income received to January 31, 1922 have been previously reported in detail, a total of. . $371,098.26 (Receipt No. 3380 issued for valuables received, and not for cash, was omitted from the Feb- ruary list in error but will be published subsequently). Receipts Nos. 3381 to 4053 for in- come received during February are reported in detail in our official organ "Soviet Russia" dated March 1 and 15, 1922, a total of 46,864i.60 Total received and acknowledged 417,962.86 The above income was deposited in a bank account, and before it was withdrawn for relief pur- poses there was received from the bank INTEREST amounting to 183.13 Making a TOTAL INCOME of 418,145.99 From which must be DEDUCTED the following items: (1) Remittances received as contributions which the bank refused to honor (Receipt Nos. 1 and 214) $274.25 (2) Remittance addressed "Soviet Russia** received by us in error (Receipt No. 1900) 17.94 (3) Checks temporarily returned by bank to be signed (Receipt No. 282(\ 3364 and 3732) 181.60 (4) Exchange and discount on checks received 10.94 (5) Expenses incurred and charged to National Office by Locals 270.93 (6) Lawyer's fees and bail premium for Local workers arrested for making appeals 425.00 1.18a66 Leaving the INCOME RECEIVED by National Office 416.965.33 HOW THE FUNDS AND CLOTHES WERE COLLECTED: In order to assist Locals and Workers* organizations to collect funds and clothes the National Office sent speakers throughout the conttry, published advertisements and literature and sup- plied buttons for sale and contribution lists for making appeals to individuals. The amount of money which the National Office spent for this purpose is explained in Statement "B** below. The National Office could charge most of this amount to Locals making them pay for speakers* services and expenses and for literature distributed in their territory, although that would mean a lot more office work, more bookkeeping. But it is better for every one to know how much the National Office spends to help Locals — probably less than the Locals would spend for the same speakers and literature if they incurred these expenses themselves. But because this money was spent to help Locals and Workers* Organizations raise the money which they send to the National Office it is deducted from the amount which they sent In order to show how much the income received by the National Office amounts to after de- ducting all expenses paid by Locals and all publicity and appeal expenses paid by the Na- tional Office, Thus: Publicity and Appeal Expenses paid by National Office 26,054.00 Leaving INCOME received by National Office LESS COST OF COLLECTING FUNDS AND CLOTHES 390,911.33 EXPENSES: In order to carry on the work of receiving funds, valuables and clothes, making appeals, and spending the money for relief, the National Office needs a secretary, office employees and a business office. The expenses paid for these needs are explained in Statement "CT* below. They represent $2.86 for each $100 of funds remaining after deducting the cost of appealing for funds and clothes. They amount to 11,16539 Leaving a balance AVAILABLE FOR RELIEF of Soviet Russia of 379.745.94 Moit of this amount has already been SPENT FOR RELIEF, as follows: Food Shipments, direct $ 2,185.73 American Federated Russian Famine Relief 0)mmittee, purchasing agent for F. S. R. food and equipment 328,200.00 Manufacture of 1000 dresses by donated labor of I.L. G. W. U 2^.94 Freight, express, trucking, warehouse, packing, and cartage charges on old clothes contributed 2,493.93 Federated, International and Russian (inference expenses 825.33 Bail, Legal fees and relief for delegate from Workers* International Famine Re- lief Committee detained on Ellis Island 1,251.25 337,24^.18 Leaving a balance: ON H\ND of 42,500.76 Digitized by LnOOQlC 240 SOVIET RUSSIA Which is mostly in CASH ready to be spent for RELIEF but is also represented partly by OTflER ASSETS to be used for raising funds of FOR EXPENSES of the business office, as follows: Gash in Bank 34,102.43 Petty Cash on hand l.OOl.OO Advances to Sections, Locals and Speakers 2,970.22 Office Furniture and Equipment (Cost) 1,165.86 Deposits for Electricity, Cas, and Lease 245.00 Books purchased for Sale, less Sales 3,116^ May I, 1922. 42,500.76 PUBUQTY AND APPEAL EXPENSES •Wages: Speakers and Organizers | 3,252.43 Publicity 480.00 Traveling— Speakers and Organizers 6590.26 Postages 2,488.28 Envelopes and Wrappers 223.95 Official Organ "Soviet Russia"— subsidy 1,300.00 Bulletins and Financial Reports printed and distributed 1,422.02 Advertisements 1,909.70 Leaflets and folders printed and distributed 2,5%.59 Posters, window cards, etc 347.00 Motion Picture and Stereopticon Equipment 2,660.95 Cuts, mats, cartoons, etc 941.79 Organization supplies, lists, buttons, etc 1,128.49 Racial and Language Sections preliminary expenses 625.00 Printing pamplilets and cards for Sale 886.62 26,853.08 Less sale of pamphlets and cards 799.08 TOTAL $26,054.00 BUSINESS OFnCE EXPENSES •Wages: Secretary | 1.280.00 Office Staff 5312.48 Office Rent 615,00 Office Space — Fittings, alterations, maintenance, cleaning, light and heat 779.58 Office Furniture Rent 20.00 Office Supplies, etc 718.65 Printing and Stationery 1,112.82 Telegrams 319.79 Telephone 53.77 Outside *phone calls, carfares, etc 110.05 Auditor's charges 343.25 TOTAL $11,16539 AUDITOR'S CERTinCATE I have examined the accounts of the National O.'fice of the Friends of Soviet Russia, New York, N. Y., for the period from the date of organization, August 9, 1921 to February 28, 1922, a period of nearly seven months. I received all the information and explanations I demanded. Any contributor not receiving both an official receipt and a published acknowledgment of his contribution should communicate with me. Valuables received to be sold for the fund, but not yet sold, are not included in the above statement. Qothes and other necessaries received for shipment are not included. Expenses have been paid promptly, but expenses incurred and not paid are not included. The above statement, **A'', **B'', and "C, are of the National Office only and are not consolidated to include receipts and disbursements of affiliated locals. Remittances from locals on account of net income are included. Locals are responsible to their own contributors for the acknowledgment and disposition of funds collected. In my opinion the above statements, "A", "B", and **C are drawn up to present a true and correct view of the cash transactions for the period, and of the state of the funds as at the close of the period, February 28, 1922. 2764 Creston Avenue New York, N. Y. March 31, 1922. (Signed) J. B. Collincs Woods, Charttred Accountamt * Maximum rate of wages is $40 per veek. Digitized by jyGoogle May It 1922, SOVIET RUSSIA 241 Relief Contributions, April 1-15 Here is a complete list of contributions received by the National Office of the Friends of Soviet Russia, tOl West 13th St^ from April 1 to IS, inclusive. The size of this list make it seem probable that the total for April will come up to that of our best month in 1921 (October, $93,000). Is your contribution listed here? The following abbreviations will be easily understood: **F, 5. R., Friends of Soviet Russia; RC, Contribution received in response to ''Roll CalT. MmcN; Contributor§ dmmmt Xee. if*. 6071 SfmiMtUaer, N. Y. C 1.00 0072 CaoceUed 0073 Jobn Zabnik. Lusero*. Pa 2S.00 0074 C. Umnom, Napoleon. N. Dalu 25.00 007$ Wm. Speck. RC Buffalo. N. Y. 10.00 0076 TimoMij Dairchuk.AC Moatreal, Canada 7.00 OOn L. Joba. RC Lfnch Minea. Kj. 86.50 0078 L. Krena. RC BelUvia. Ohio 9.2S 6079 R. L. Benainger. RC Succom, SMk.. Canada M.46 6000 Bror Akeraon, ac Uttla Falla, Minn 4.75 0081 M. Kaely. Dagaa Mines. Pa... 5.00 6082 Lm>. Hoffman. Elyria. Ohio.. 0.7S 6083 F. S. R. Branch. RC Hartford, Conn. 1S.00 6084 PhiUp Crrrywaiy, RC Nanty Glo. Pa 12.75 6085 Mrs. M. Sembe.t, N. Y. C. 1.00 6086 F. S. R. Branch, Chicago. lU. lOOO.OO 6087 F. S. R. Branch. San Franeiaco, CaL 150.00 6088 F. S. R. Branch, Bridgepart, Conn. 60.00 6089 Eraeet Goenter. RC Sanu Cms, Cal 50.00 6090 Enauce Seligman. N. Y. C... 10.00 6091 Eveljn. N. Hughan. N. Y. C. 10.00 6002 Erik * Mrs. E. A. Eriksoa, Berkeley. Cal 10.00 6098 Herman Hlntx. RC Bloomfield, H. J 10.00 6094 Joe Dratee. RC Detroit. Mich. 8.00 6095 J. D. Uscoff. RC N. Y. C 3.00 6096 Marfarei Dyer. Rockford. lU... 2.00 6097 Jesnetie C. Classberg. B'klyn.. If. Y 2.00 6098 Nsthan Bialor, n. Y. C 1.00 6099 ChM. E. Shrum. RC Flora. 111. 1.00 6100 I. F. Crabill. RC Flora. Ul... .25 6101 Wa. Quney Jr.. RC Flora. HI. 1.00 6108 R«Ua W. ChAuc,, liC Flora. lU. 1.00 6108 R. A. Owen. Ac Flora. Ill 1.00 6104 £. E. Marshall KC Flora. HI. 1.00 6105 M. S. Dickenon. RC Flora. UL .50 6106 1m, Tvllott. RC Flora. Ul 1.00 6107 n. W. Drebtna. mo Akron. O. 24.50 6108 T. Tofan, RC Braeaide. Ont. ^aaAm , 11.00 6109 T. Kolnogoffuik. Massena. N.Y. 5.00 6110 W. Yooko. RC Hartshome. Okk. 10.40 6111 P. Kochinoff. Kansas C. Kana. 50.00 €112 I. Zerchenko. RC E. Hammond. Ind 44.50 6I1S T. Vadlerich. RC Kirklaad L«ke» Ont.. Canada 22.00 6114 F. J. Milepchik. Fsirhope. Ala. 2 gold wedding rlnc* 6115 I. Mi»esm»kj, RC, N. Y. C. 25.75 6116 Heofy Lake, RC Mayger, Ore. 13.00 6117 A. Booxkc. RC ArUngton. Wash. 10.00 Ollf L. C £v«l, RC Edmonds. y^-li 8.00 6119 Dan Ksdisn. Great Falls. Mont. 3.00 6130 £. I. Johnson, Borke. Idsho.. 2.00 6121 Mr. St Mrs. Geo. B. Nelson. G»nter City. Minn 2.00 6121 Made Molsoter. Seattle. Wash. 1.00 6123 C.K Holt. RC Brockton. Msss. 10.00 61J4 Nkk Kasenkow. Nacmine. Alu, Canada 10.00 6U5 Sam Kosenkow. Nscmine. Alta, Canada 8.00 6136 Mrs. Nelly Knsenkow. Nac- mine. Alu. Canada 8.00 6127 Marko Rndyk. Nacmine. Alu. Csnada 10.00 6128 Mrs. M. Rndyk. Nacmine, Alu, Csnada 10.00 6129 Sofron Suslok. t^acmlna. Alu, Csnada 10.00 6138 Leo Panasky, Nacmine, Alu, Canada 5.00 6131 Anna Varm. Roebllng. N. J... 5.00 6132 F. S. R. Brsnch. aerelsnd. O. 205.05 6133 F. S. R. Branch. QereUnd. O. 553.51 6134 J. Nl«ier, RC, New Baden, HI. 50.50 CamtribiOwt 6135 Workmen's Edn. Assn., Inc., KG San Francisco, Cal 6136 Ed. SaavUto. lasu 1S643.44-7, Eveleth. Minn 6137 A. Yordock, List 12121, Kulp- mont. Pa 6138 C. CecU Rhodes. RC JanesriUe, Wis. 6139 Dramatic Club & Workers Gym* nastic Union. Cleveland. Ohio. 6140 Lith. Ut. Soc. Br. 62. Stough- ton, Maas. 6141 Ida Wilaon RC liulath. Minn, 6142 Cancelled, Issueu by mistake. 6143 F. S. R. Branch. N. Y. C 6144 C Chrissa&des. RC Newark, N. J 6145 Frank Koos, Terre Haute, .Ind. 6146 Bert Chata. Terre Haute. Ind. 6147 A. E. Anderson. Butte. MonU 6148 M. P. Stone. SilvertM. Tezaa 6149 W. S. Holcomb, imperial CaL 6150 H. S. Wilkin. Magnolia Beach, Wash 6151 F. S. R. Branch. Superior. Wis. 6152 F.S.R. Branch. 4^wrence. Mass. 6153 Young Peoples Int'L League, Lawrence Msssi .............. 6154 Bro. of* Psinters No. 1251, Bklyn, N. Y 6155 Cloeson * EmiUe Gilbert, Ran* dolph Ctr.. Vt 6156 A. M. Cavari. RC Nakusp. B. C. Canada 6157 John Shrade. RC Oakland. CaL 6158 F. S. R. Br., Cliffaide. N. J. 6159 Nels Lofgren. RC Fort Fraser, B. C. Canada 6160 C.A. Bargcr. RC Fair Oaks. Cal. 6161 W. S. & D. D. F. Br. 338, Duquain, 111 6162 Chas. Donner. RC Wellington, B. C, Canada 6163 J. Lanes. Riverriew. Fla 6164 Jos. Lindner. RC Sanu Maria, Cal 6165 L. T. Munkachy. RC Zanesrill*, Ohio. 6166 W. Stamenovich. San Francisco, Cal 6167 P. Enrico. AtUntic City. N. J. 6168 Roby C Day. Meadvilln. Pa. 6169 L. Crokserts. Downey P.O. CaL 6170 Dr. Ford Eastman. Erie. Pa... 6171 Kalle Wesanen. RC GrayUng, Bfich 6172 E. Iraellte RC, N. Y. C 6173 C Cecil Rhodes, Janesrille. Wis. 6174 A. Kislala. RC Sandoral. IlL 6175 Wm. S. Daltan. RC Salt Lake City, Utah 6176 Socialist from Tenn., Terea Hsute. Ind 6177 Sbor Ratolest Miraci 65. Neffs, Ohio 6178 Mate Rumors. List 4117. Co- Iambus. Ohio 6179 Herman Helminen, RQ, Green- ▼ille. N. H. :. 6180 J. P. Dunseth. Portland. Ore. 6181 J. Mellnik. RC Sault Ste Marie, Ont.. Csnada 6182 F. S. R. Branch. East Chi- cage, Ind 6183 ConsUntine Matos, RC Harmar- Tille, Ps 6184 Psnl Kopawita. RC Lawrence, 6185 A. Bonar. RC Brockton. Mass. 6186 O. Shiemko. Chester. Pa 6187 N. Rnsio. Cmm Lynne. Pa 6188 Mike Suchy. RC Pamsssus. Pa. 6189 L. W. S.. Moline. Ill 6190 C. DoblinskT. Moline. HI 6191 A. Obodowsky. RC Big Bsy, Mich 6192 A. Moller. RC Inwood. N. Y. 1 6193 Stere Pochnesky, RC IseUn, Pa. 42.75 82.10 29.50 15.50 15.10 11.85 11.70 8468.22 6.83 2.50 2.50 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 ^000.00 250.00 19.06 100.00 50.00 49.00 27.00 26.00 24.00 20.00 20.00 20.00 15.00 12.00 12.00 10.00 19.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 7.00 7.00 5.00 20.00 20.00 3.50 18.07 5.44 145.00 43.00 80.00 20.00 I2.no 5.00 5.00 36..sn 16.55 12.00 24.50 16.20 11.50 Ace. No, ContribtUon Amoum 6194 Taconu Central 4«al>or CoancU, Tacoma. Wash 29.50 6195 F. S. R. Branch. RC Gary. Ind. 85.75 6196 Workers ReUef Club. PortUnd. Or ; 1035.00 6197 Swedish Aid Society. Portland, Ore 25.00 6198 F. Johnson. RC Port Esdngtoo, B. C. Canada 17.00 6199 Coppersmith's Union No. 95, San Francisco. Cal 10.00 6200 F.rmine Kohn, RC, N. Y. C 10.00 6201 K. Poluuski. RC New Csstle, Pa 20.00 6202 F. W. Mayer. St. Psul. Minn. 5.00 6203 E. R. Bobb. Enderly. B. C, Canada 5.00 6204 W. H. Daughs. Princeton. Ida. 5.00 6205 W. S. & D. B. F. Br. 133, Dsyton. Ohio 5.00 6206 E. M. Curry, Kalamasoo. Mick. 5.00 6207 Mary E. Miller. CoU.. Miami, Fla 7J5 6208 Albert Keitel. RC Uceombe. Alu. Canada 5.00 6209 J. Etberidge. Lockney. N. M. 5.00 6210 W. S. & D. o. F. Br. 175, Erie, Pa 5.00 6211 Max Aben, Pnuce Rupert. B. C. Canada 5.00 6212 Aiden P. Ripley. Boston. Mass. 5.00 6213 Fred A. Smith. Goldfield. Ner. 5.00 6214 F. J. Eimert. Miles City. Mont. 5.00 6215 Elsie Msthew, Ridgely. Md. .. 4.00 6216 F. S. R. Br.. Spokane. Wash. 147.50 6217 Coll. at masquerade. Cloquet, Minn 9.50 6218 Elinor Teitlinen. Cloquet. Blinn. 5.00 0219 G. Verhulat, CoUinsville. IlL 4.00 6220 H. W. L. Dana, Cambridge, Mass. 4.00 6221 Wm. R. Hslland. San Antonio, Texas 8.00 6222 Anih. Korbel. Endicott. N. Y. 3.00 6223 Mrs. M- E* David. San Fran- cisco. Cal IM 6224 Mrs. Mary Hannon, San Fran- cisco. Cal 1.00 6225 E. McLean. Manchester. N. H. 8.00 6226 Theodore Bossle. Dsllss. Texaa f.00 6227 Chas. W. Hadik. PortUnd. Ore. 8.00 6228 H. Pannkuk, Meservey. lows .. 8.00 6229 Dom. Zsri, Ssn . rsocisco. CaL XOO 6230 Harry Peltimsn, N. Y. C 8.00 6231 Anns Schaarschmidt. Rochester, N. Y. 1.00 6233 M. Ulianitxky. Kenosha. Wis... 5.00 6233 George Berger. Cincinnati. Ohio 1.00 6234 Walter Barrett. Abbotaford, B. C, Canada 1.0b 6235 W. S. * D. B, F. No. 80, Csmden. N. J 1.00 6236 F. S. R. Br.. Hibbinc Minn. 103.52 6237 F. S. R. m.. Rochester. N. Y. 200.00 6238 W. S. & D. B. F. No. 346, Boonton. N. J 80.00 6239 P.Eablad. RC Westrose. Alta, Canada 66.00 6240 Louis Untermerer. RC N. Y. C 85.00 6241 G. V. Summer. RC McMunay, Wssh 80.00 6843 P. McDonnel. Lac St. Anna, Alberu. Canada 85.00 6243 J. T. Husgrove. L. Beach. Cal.. 85.00 62U S. Vaitkus. PhiladelphU. Pa... 25.00 6245 Chas. Retsky. Chicago. Ill 25.00 6246 S. Holt. Seal Alu. Can 24.00 6247 LouU Kardos, RC Oevcland. O. 22.00 6248 T. Lindberg. RC Milwsukee, Wis. 20.00 6249 A. Lind. RC Chicago. lU... 20.00 6250 A. Salninen. Berkeley. Cal... 20.00 6251 Mrs. Anns C. dwenson. Oak- Und, Csl 8.00 6252 F. Whisler. RC rir«>baufh. CaJ. 5.00 6253 Vern Speigle. hi. Hicksville. O. 5.00 0264 C. W. Hintoo. RC SaUnevUle, Ohio 1.80 Digitized by Google 242 SOVIET RUSSIA May 1, 1922. Ree, M; Contribittor$ 6355 lUrry Qemnk,* RC HamUamck, Mich i3S6 Son* & Danghten of Norway, Petefabnrg, Alaska 6257 Joseph Mavrio. RC Chiaholm, 6258 6359 6260 6361 6262 6263 6264 6265 6266 6267 6268 6269 6270 6271 6272 6273 6274 6275 6276 6277 6278 6279 6280 6281 6283 6283 6384 6285 6286 6287 6288 6289 6290 6291 6292 6293 6294 6295 6296 6297 6298 6299 6300 6301 6302 6303 6304 6305 6306 6307 6308 6309 6310 6311 6312 6313 6314 6315 6316 6317 6318 6319 6320 6321 Victor MenefhetU, Coll., Loa Anffdea, Cal Rnaaian Br. F. &. R., St. Paul, IfiBO Darid Fryer, RC Wing. N. Dak. Loind Edwia, RC Bklyn. N. Y. Eathonian Publ. Soc, N. Y. C. H. D. Deutach, N. Y. C I. H3ok for Fin. Soc. Br., New Rochelle, N. Y J. Hcdbavny. RC Astoria, L. I. Nick Povich, RC Rossland, B. C, Canada J. Junter, RC Hanna. Wyo,/ . Henri De Ridder. RC N. Y. C. Mrs. Louise McClair, RC Phils- delphia. Pa P. C. Dane. Al lUartines, Cal. Alice C. Erwin, Harbor Springs, Mich H. C. Vemcr. RC Chicago. 111. Indng Jilbert, Tracy, Cal M. Sentech, RC Clereland O. Ferdinand Qnednan, RC N. Tonawada, N. Y D. M. Wernicke, Manhattan Beach. L. I A. Rabinowits. N. Y. C N. Feingolu. ManhatUn Beach, L. I Israel Sallaberg. ManhatUn Beach, L. I N. Y. Circle of BessarabUn Natives. N. Y. C Csncelled. Issaed by misUke. (1.90) Adslbert Gloss, Newton Hights, N. Y Cancelled. Issaed by mistake. (2.00) W. Carlson, RC Wssa, B. C, Canada Mrs. Hansen. Ocean Falla. B. C., Canada A. Hoakins, RC Bamfield, Can. Harry Mendelson, RC N. Y. C. Anonymous, N. Y. C M. Tlhonets, RC Chelsea. Mass. J. Kobemik. RC Chelsea, Mass. T. Kapshuk. Rt chelses, Msss. Gust Ohm, RC Duluth, Minn. £. C. Wslter, mC Minidoka. Idaho P. Uankowoy, RC Kenoshs, Wis. F. A. Tingley, RC Danville, 111. Silas A. McCulloch, RC Grsnd Forks, N. D H. Blum, RC Nsps. Cal A. Carlson, RC Cusson, Minn. Ethel Brooke Sanford. RC Oak- land, Cal Andrew Sowtza, RC philadel- phU. Pa Elisabeth Lovett, Asbnry Psrk. N. J : C H. Dlckmsn, RC Missoula Mont A, Uher, RC Oakland. Cal.. Anton Mara. RC San Francisco Csl • Anonymous, RC N. Y. C L. Besdeka. RC San Francisco, Cal Tlios. J. Benson, RC Lorain. O. Erick Sjolie. RC CuWcr. Minn. Samuel Z. Goldfarb. Bklyn. N. Y W. H. Lyans. RC Brooks, Al- herta, Canada Lewis Schneider, RC Paterson. N. J Mrs. Domlnik Waltaer, RC Ps- terson, N. J, A. Batta, RC San I.eandro, Cal. Leonard Kern, RC Richmond. Hill. N. Y E. Kartten. RC L. I. City. N.Y. Louis Teff, RC N. Y. C Mrs. A. Waxier. RC N. Y. C. Miss HenHetts Gressin. N.Y.C. Bessie Mllcy. RC N. Y. C... Joseph Podgorny. Chicsgo, 111. A. Bammsn. RC B'klyn, N. Y. Amount 22.00 160.60 126.10 3.50 105.00 25.00 16.50 18.00 10.00 42.95 10.50 5.00 5.00 3.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 5.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 38.00 5.00 1.90 2.37 19.00 4.00 5.00 2.00 2.00 1.00 25.00 10.00 12.00 8.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 1.00 l.OO 2.00 5.00 3.00 3.00 9.50 4.75 1.00 1.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 ConUibutorM Amount 6322 AnonyaioTis. Richmond Hill. N. Y 1.00 6323 D. M. Jenkins, RC CoUinsviUe, 111 1.00 6324 Mrs. D. M. Jenkens RC Collins- ville. 111 1.00 6325 Chas. MoUar, RC ColUnsville, 111 1.00 6326 Mis. Chaa. MoUar, RC ColUna- ville. m 1.00 6327 J. Schaasler. RC Lincoln, Neb. 1.00 6328 Samuel LandU. RC N. Y. C. 5.00 6329 P. Sterkel, RC Uncoln. Neb. 2.00 6330 Fred Ott. RC Uncoln, Neb... 2.00 633! D. Spadt. RC Lincoln. Neb... 1.00 6332 W. B. Greason. Elmhurst, L. I. 2.00 6333 A. Broun, RC LJncoln, Neb. 5.00 6334 G. Baideck, RC Uncoln, Neb. 1.00 6335 J. G. Weber. RC Lincoln. Neh. 3.00 6336 J. J. Fiacher, RC Uncoln. Neb. 2.0 6337 John Spamer. RC Lincoln. Neb. 1.00 6338 J. Dietrich. Ac Uncoln. Neb. 1.00 6339 A. Bork. RC Uncoln, Neb. 1.00 6340 H. H. Salxman, RC Uncoln, Neb 2.00 6341 M. Jacob. RC Uncoln, Neb. 1.00 6342 R. A. Murray & Frank Rossel, RC Uncoln. Neb 1.50 6343 David . Wagenleiter, RC Un- coln, Neb 1.00 6344 Gerge Strathein*. RC Uncoln, Neb 2.00 6345 J. J. Lebsock. RC Lincoln, Neb 2.00 6346 O. Cook. RC Lincoln. Neb. 5.00 6347 ChrUdna Maria Beck. RC Un- coln, Neb 5.00 6348 W. Erpoleff. RC Uncoln, Neb. 5.00 6349 A. Erpiloff. Rl Lincoln. Neb. 5.00 6350 E. Grenimyer, RC Lincoln, Neb. 5.00 6351 H. B. Amend a J. A. Amend, RC Uncoln, Neb 2.00 6352 Conrad Stransheim, RC Uncoln, Neb 3.00 6353 L. Brealan, RC Lincoln. Neb. 1.00 6354 J. J.. Salsman. RC Lincoln, Neb 1.00 6355 J. Spaidt. RC Uncoln, Nebr. 1.00 6356 Ella Weber, Marshalltown, Iowa 1.00 6357 L. McCoUough, Marshalltown. Iowa ,50 6358 E. Anderson, Marshalltown, la. 1.00 6359 Sister SophU-Hmbeli, MarshaU- lown, la 1.00 6360 Howland. Marshalltown. la 50 6361 M. Quirk. Marshalltown. la.. .50 6362 E. Peterson, Marshalltown. la. 1.00 6363 A. Graves. M.*«nalltown. la. 1.00 6364 Ruth Muccke. Marshalltown. la. .50 6365 P. Usfl. RC Psterson. N. J. 13.00 6366 S. Duetch. RC Chicago. 111. .50 6367 F. LIppi. RC Chicago. HI... .50 6368 F. Kaufman. RC Chicago, lU. .50 6369 Onnig Googasian. RC Chicago, ni 1.00 6370 H. KantE. RC Chicugo, 111... 1.00 6371 Otto Baehr. RC Monico, Wis. 30.50 6372 D. W. Nevlns, RC, N. Y. C. 12.05 6373 Nsrcisco Faiiat, RC San Fran- cisco, Cal 7.25 6374 Gust A. Carlson, RC Worcester, Mass 50 6375 N. M. Peterson, HC Worcester, Mass 1.00 6376 O. Weinberg. RC Worcester, Mass 1.00 6377 F. W. Majhannus. RC Michi- gamme. Mich 15.25 6378 Cancelled. Issued by mistake. 6379 Workmen's Sick Bene6t Fund Br. 239, Oakland. Cal 12.50 6380 M. Okin. RC Lss Angeles. Cat. 15.50 6381 Sergey Egeroff, nC Triadelphia, ^, Va. 75 25 6382 P. Stulbo, RC Sioux City. la. 13.30 6383 S. Young. RC Heybum. Ida.... 24.00 6384 A. W. Barr, RC Worcester, Mass 19.00 6385 G. Dreuth. RC Ssn Francisco. Cal 18.00 6386 I. Serier, KenewJck. Wash... 15.00 6387 Wm. Mahon, RC Oakland, Cal. 15.00 6388 G. Alving. RC Calistogs. Cal. 15.00 6389 Carlotta C. Kinaley, RC Ken- wood. N. Y 15.00 6390 J. Rogers. San Diego. Cal... 13.00 6391 E. M. Jonassen, RC Chicago, in. 13.00 6392 Mrs. F. Rascher. RC Ferguson. Mo 12.00 Rec. iVo. ContributorM Amount 6393 A. Koch, RC St. Louis, Mo. 11.00 6394 A. M. Lambert, RC Boulder, B. C. Canana 10.00 6395 Joseph E. Badger, RC Sebaa- topol, Cal 10.00 6396 W. S. & D. B. F. Br. 145, Fitchberg, Mass 10.00 6397 Geo. BucsnUk, Ignado. Cal... 10.00 6398 T. Crosble, Castor, Alu, Can. 10.00 6399 F. S. R. Br., Frewabutg, N. Y. 10.00 6400 D. Bingham./tC Tonopah, Ner. 9.00 6401 W. Bednarcsu^, RC Zanea- ville, Ohio 9.00 6402 Leo A. Wolenik. RC San Frma- Cisco, Cal. 9.00 6403 Wilshire Telephone Operat»ra, Los Angeles, Cal 9.00 6404 E. Jankowaky, RC B*Uyn. N.Y. 7.00 6405 John Lerch, Dedbam, Mass. .. 6.06 6406 Andrew Manson, s\V. Nelaon, B. C. Canada 6.00 6407 Chas. Stoeber. Adama, Maaa. 6.00 6408 W. S. & D. B. F. No. 137 Alams. Maaa. 5.00 6409 Samuel Boff, RC, N. Y. C 4.00 6410 J. Harrington. nC Bellinghaa, Waah 4.00 6411 A. C. Friea, Philo, Ohio 5.00 6412 C. Fedick, RC Ueveland. 0. 5.00 6413 Sarah A. Rohser. Canton, O. 5.00 6414 Geo. L. Turner. Lodl. Cal... 5.00 6415 *G. W. Dimond, Stratford, Coaa. 5.00 6416 J. L. Hecachom, Whittier. Cal. 5.00 6417 Thomas Atteberry, Jr., Aasnmp- Uon, lU 5.00 6418 R. Gorham, Columbus, Ohio.. 5.00 6419 E. B. Miller, Ashland, Ore... 5.00 6420 W. S. & D. B. F. No. 154 Herminie. Pa 5.00 6421 Jas. P. Dangherty, Tonawaada. N. Y 5.00 6422 Mrs. Robert Beigh, Plentywood. Mont 3.00 6423 H. O. Sydow, Murchison, Tezao 3.0O 6424 Wm. Urdang. Loa Angelea, Cal. 3.00 6425 R. Urdang J.3e Angeles, Cal... 2.0O 6426 Mr. &Mra. Chas. Ksuffald. Roalindale, Mass. 3.00 6427 A. Hammer, Rosimdale, Maaa. 2.00 6428 O. Clunk, Victoria, B. C, Caa. 2.00 6429 J. Plomer, Sacramento, Cal... 2.00 6430 Teter Mataon, .air Oaks, CaL 2.00 6431 John Saari, Fair Oaks, Cal... 2.00 6432 A. C. Minor, Worland, Wyo... 2.00 6433 C. Sykes. Glendive, Mont... 2.00 6434 I. N. Barsky, Conneat. OUo 2.00 6435 L. VeUe, WeatEeld, N. J..... 2.00 6436 L. Brown. Wellesley. Mass.... 10.00 6437 W. Adolph Zeh, N. Y. C 2.00 6438 A. M. W. Pennypacker, PhUa- delphia. Pa 1.00 6439 T. Mauui, RC Oakland. Cal. 5.10 6440 BenJ. Carl, Alliance, Ohio 32.56 6441 Pavel Ugrinovitch, RC Ottowa, OnUrio, Can 42.7S 6442 Wm. Shipmaker, RC Edgevood, B. C, Can 25.6.'i 6443 Geo. Vanderdassen, RC Silror- dale, B. C, Can o 14Jt5 6444 T. Seamon. Sedalia, Alu, Caa. 10.45 6445 A. Lcbel. Ontario. Can .95 6446 Soe. Local Equaty of Seal So- dalla. Alta, Cau 20.19 6447 G. Kurilovich, RC ladiaaa- Reed, Pa 81.00 6418 John Burcovich, RC E. Chieafo, Ind 40.00 6449 T. Baspaly. RC Evesham, Saak.. Can 31.00 6450 L. Kuchmuk. RC Peoria, IB... 29.00 6451 R. Smith, RC WUkea-Bam, Ps 18.00 6452 Kateryna Pesyk, RC Rochealor, N. Y 17.00 6453 Wasily Kolivecky. RC Wilkeo- Barre. Pa. 15.00 6454 W. Mihal. RC Lyndhnret. N. J. 14.00 6455 M. Prolisko. RC Akron. Ohio.. 13.00 6456 K. VinogradsU, RC Ooqaet. Minn 6.00 6457 J. Ralph. RC, Detroit. Mich. 29.50 6458 S. Stukanoir. RC, Sagamore, Pa. 30.50 6459 John Bandee, RC Sagamore. Pa. 16.90 6460 Max Slobodinuk. LewisCoa, Me. 10.5& 6461 J. Trushinsky. RC Chicago, ID. 8.7S 6462 M. Maziuk. RC Grand Rapida, Mich 5.50 6463 Herbert Howart, RC Reed Dear, Aha., Can 3.2S 6464 Yusko Rydnst, ArgenUne. Pa.. 2.50 Digitized by Google May 1, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 243 Jl«c. N; Contributcrs AmouHt 6465 Th« Benton Funllj, Crana RC Claagow, Coaa. 51.50 •Ml D. A. Bodaar. RC, New Or- leaaa. La 48.50 59S2 T. Haatiak. RC Aaltman. Pa... 44.95 •9S3 Paal Zagoaewaky. RC Sajrre. Pa. 28.35 •984 S. Spivak. RC Raj^ad. Ohio.. 25.35 5935 P. llokldon. RC Toledo. Ohio 18.50 •9I5 C. Dreodow. RC Barrackrille, W. Va. 14.90 •987 Sti^ Kaabyt. RC Wyamo. Pa. 13.50 5988 W. Caerewky, RC Tranacona, Maa.. Caa 10.75 •999 I. Krekel, RC oaenandoab. Pa. 10.50 5940 T. HoBckamk. RC FrankUn, llaaa. 8.25 5M1 C. Feaenkoir. Ac* East Ckicago, Ind. 43.58 •912 T. Papko. RC E. Chicago. Ind. 13.43 •943 John Zmewick. Gary. Ind 7.50 •944 John O. Yeager, WUaon Creek. Waak 5.00 •945 John Bnell. Enuda. Idaho .... 2.50 •945 F. 5. R. Br.. Chicaao. Ill 1000.00 •747 F. 8. R. Br., Binghamton. N.Y. 900.00 •948 F. S. R. Br.. San Fandaco. Cat. 150.00 •949 F. S. R. Br., careke. Cal 89.70 •950 Dr. C C Mdotyre. Sierra lladre. Ca! 70.00 •951 T. leaaea. RC Arlington. Waih. 52.00 •958 P. KHikaaky, RC Aaltmaa, Pa. 48.00 Jlec. N0, CamirUmton 6953 A. Champloa, RC Danville, IlL 6954 Jokn Rcder, Sacramento. Cal... 6955 C. Bowie. RC Soanleh. B. C, Can 6956 F. S. Chopp, JIC WkifehaU, Mont. •957 Alex Pennanea. RC Spirit Lake, Idaho 6958 U. M. W. of A. No. 304. BelleriUe. Ill 6959 Z. Rlefer. Kaaaaa Qty. Mo 6960 F. S. R. Br., Ckieholm. Mina. 6961 Cancelled, laaned by nituke. 6962 S. S. J. Oaaatro. RC Nequanoe, Mich. 6963 W. . GriSth. R^ no, BatUeford, Saak., Caa 6964 Ihe luliaa Orciieatra. RC Roa- Ijro. Waah. 6965 Geo. Kaop. Uat. Millbam. NJ. 6966 Fred Miller. RC San Franciac), Cal 6967 W. S. a D. B. F. Br. No. 229, Danbury, Conn 6968 T. Drobny. RC So. Bend. Ind. 6969 J. Gradono. RC BUyo. N. Y. 6970 S. P. Hiadley. Loa Angelea, CaU 6971 N. W. RaTonacroft. Arapohoe, OkU 6972 M. Airoff. RC N. Y. C . ... 6973 T. L. Nichola, PhiUdelphU, Pa. 6974 A. BUck. RC Winnipeg. Can... 6975 Mra. A. F. Meaaer, RC Long Beach, Cal 6976 V. D. Scndder. Wellealey. Maaa. 6977 S. Chriatenaea. Oakland. Cal... 6978 Jokn CtUina. Dillon. Mont. .. 6979 Anna Nowak, PhiUdelphU. Pa. 6980 E. J. Flynn. San Franciaco. CaL 6981 H.H. Williama. Gertrude. Wa^ 6982 Geo. Keaaier, Lureka. CaL.... 6983 A. Weicbal. RC Loa Angelea. Cal 6984 J. Zebra, RC AaMteidaai. N. Y. 6985 S. Silvennaa. RC Auatin. Tea. 6986 C Wyo. MlnneapoIU. Minn.... 6987 VaaU RoBaaeck. Melroae, Park. III. 6988 Steire Traaibetea, Simpeoa, Pa. 6989 L. Uaemer. Grand Rapida, Ohio 6990 Thoa Broduich. Midvale, Ohio 6991 Edaoa Rhidea, HamUtoa. CaL 6992 T. Roota. RC Bojrda. Waah... 6993 Harvey Koch. IndUnapolU, Ind. 6994 J. Adanaon. Belfiald. No. Dak. 6995 Mra. Alice L. Harper Hanby. Mt. Vernon, Ind 6995 W. W. Wkalea. Buffalo. Okla. 6997 F. M. Kmaa, Ckicago, lU 6998 D. FerguBoa. New Albaay, Ind. 6999 A. ElUott. Yeoford. Alu. Can. 7000 A. J. Beigel. Caaibridge Spriaga, Pa 7001 A. Covacerich. RC Bilox. MUa. 7002 A. J. Cocee, RC N. Y. C 7003 lechnical Aid Sddety. Harri* aoB,-N. J 7004 Geo. Bittel. huby. Alaaka.... 7005 Attguat Pahlke. Ruby. AUtka.. 7006 M.R. Hnaaey. Anchorage, Alaska 7007 A. Crowell. RC Melroae, Maaa. 7008 H. R. Edward. Berkeley. Cal.. 7009 Mra. EUae Heck, RC Corona, L. L 7010 H. De Bidder, N. Y. C. 7011 N. Patechnlck. Newark. N. J... 7012 Jeter Honchamk. Newark, N. 1. 7013 Betty Kaye. Rt et. Y. C 7014 Eugene Beat. JtC N. Y. C .... 7015 R. E. Cox. Danrille. Ill 7016 Otto Cooper. Danville, HI 7017 Carl W. Undttrom. RC Brook- lyn, N. Y 7018 G. Storing. RC .^. Y. C 7019 ElUa Avintxky. B'klyn. N. Y. 7020 Theodore Raod. N. Y. C 7021 Fred Heckman. Brnoklyn. N. Y. 7022 John Micali. B'klyn. N. Y.... 7023 W. ChonUk, RC Udi. N. J... 7024 T. D. Jonea. OUahoma Qty, Okla 7025 H. Johannaen. J?C N. Y. C .. 7026 Emat Rohra. itC N. Y. C 7027 Anonymoui. N. Y. C 7028 H. Feulner, RC B'klyn. N. Y. 7029 Frm) Ekman. B'klyn. N. Y.... 7030 Italian Section. F. S. R., N. Y. C 7031 A, Z. Ubaak. RC N Y. C. .. 7032 Scoat Oub No. 10. N. T. C. 80.00 8.00 88.00 28.00 26.00 25.00 25.00 57.25 80.00 117.00 15.00 15.00 14.00 12.00 12.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 7.00 7.00 4.00 8.00 8.00 9.60 2.00 4.00 S.OO 2.00 2.00 S.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 8.50 5.00 5.50 20.30 20.00 10.00 10.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 3.00 2.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 .50 .50 11.00 10.00 10.50 4. 75 7.00 7.45 15.50 1.00 16.00 28.50 5.00 5.25 5.00 8.25 7.'iO 10.08 Jlee. ft: C»miributcn 7033 F. Valtenko, RC N. Y. C... 82.08 7834 A Friend. Pompton PUiiw, N.J. 1.00 7035 Mike Hording Rocheoter. N. Y. 1.00 7096 Alex Garnowiu, RC PUlnald, N. J 18.50 7037 P. Zanardl. Kanaaa City. Mo... 3.58 7038 S. Satauk. RC Edgcwaier. N. J. 26.08 7039 E. Skonara, RC KeUogg. Idabo 10.00 7040 Canceiled. Itaued by miatake. 7041 Mary Mateeaun. RC Bridgoton, N. J. 5.88 7042 Sunley Matecauui. RC Bridge- ton. N. J 5.00 7043 J. Bacaynaki. RC lieferiet. N. Y. 9.08 7044 J. Uweaak. RC CleveUnd. Ohio 5.00 7045 Ray Levine. JIC N. Y. C 5.00 7046 N. SvenMU. RC PortUnd. Ore. 5.00 7047M. Moakowita. RC B'klyn. N. Y. 5.00 7048 Lyford Pateraou juSwarda. RC Annadale. N. Y 5.08 7049 Otto Minchiryan. VaUejo. Cal. 5.00 7050 B. Frandt. PortUnd. Me 5.00 7051 Sylvia Friedenbw.g. N. Y. C... 1.00 70^ Abraham Trotxky. N. Y. C 1.00 7053 L HolUnd. N. Y. C 4.00 7054 B. Billek. RC N. Y. C 4.00 7055 O. OUen. RC B'klyn. N. Y. .. 4.00 7056 R. Schwab. RC Mt. Healthy. Ohio 2.00 7057 F. C Sherwood, RC CleveUnd. Ohio 2.08 7058 A. Taraaxcsuk. ilC Wilkea Barre, Pa. 2.00 7059 Max Todfdd, RC N. Y. 1.00 7060 W. BaumweU. AC N. Y. C 1.00 7061 Geo C BarUett, RC Tolland, Conn 1.00 7062 H. Scblenger. RC B'klyn. N. Y. 1.00 7063 M. Kariin. RC B'klyn. N. Y... 1.00 7064 C. ReaattI, Dulutb. Minn 1.00 7065 Mra. Ida Rotkeaberg. RC Bro^k- lya. N. Y 1.00 7056 Abraham Wdnatock. RC PhiU- delphU. Pa 1.08 7067 Mr. A Mra. Fred Wiberg. CUa- ton. Waah. 1.00 7068 M. Ragoia. New Haven. Conn. 1.00 7069 0. A. Amundaen. Underwood, Mian. 1.00 7070 Carl Wnnderle, RC Cincinnati, Ohio 1.08 7071 Alex Sutkovoy, RC So. Wind- ham, M 18.08 7072 A. Karvinen. ^entertainment, Wiertbn, W. Va 36JS 7073 Mra. Hanna Mataon. Coll. A En- tertainment. Gebo. Wyo 179.00 7074 W. E. Butler. RC TncaM. Aria. 5.08 7075 Mra. Y. S. Morria. Hot Springe, Ark 5.00 7075 W. B. Levick. oan Frandt^, Cal 5.00 7077 P. Johnaoa. RC Sanatone, Minn. 5.00 7078 W. K. Bryee, RC Riverhurat, Saak.. Caa 5.00 7079 Ed. C. Jonea. RC Hoff. Ore. 5.00 7080 H. De Block, RC PreempUon, la. 5.00 7881 N. BruaaeU. RC B'klyn. N. Y.. 5.00 7082 O. Pearaon. RC Hudaoa. Wyo. 5.00 7083 R. B. Hayea, Redding. Cal... 5.00 7084 Charlea J. Sullivan. RC New Haven, Coaa 12.08 7085 Chrlea J. SulUvan. RC New Haven. Conn 5.00 7085 Rev. Smith O. Dexter. RC Con- cord. Maaa. 5.00 7087 K. Smith, RC Walah. Aha, Can. 5.00 7088 Wm. Afaprung. Onclnnati. Ohio 5.00 7089 W. R. C. Cook, Renton. Waah. 5.00 7090 F. Sliva. Coll.. Brickaville. Ohio 5.00 7091 Miaa W. E. Robert. Harvey. U. 5.00 7092 John G. Hay. RC Winter. Saak., Can. 5.00 7093 C. A. Rader. RC Grand Rapida Mich. 5.00 7094 JuUua Frita. Berkdey. Cal. .. 5.00 7095 Louis Gniber. milwaukee, Wia. 5.00 7096 Linton A. Wood. IndUnapolia. Ind 5.00 7097 R. K. Hdmle. RC Oak Park, ni 5.00 7098 J 30 Kript. Chicago. 111. 3.08 7099 H. O. Sydow. RC Murchiaon, Tex 9.00 7100 P. D. Lith. Br F. S. R.. Pitta- burg. Pa 300.00 7101 E. Cartia Ilkenhana. RC Hamil- toa. Ohio 1.00 7102 J. S. Kdlogg. RC Norfolk. Va. 1.00 Digitized by Google 246 SOVIET RUSSIA May 1, 1922. Ree, N; Contributor$ 7103 CancsUed. Iwued hy misUke. 71M Mrs. Enut De Sauter. RC Lo« B«Dn, RC De- troit, Mich 26.00 n62 R. E. Carter RC Whitefish, Mont 17.00 n63 J. T. Belkin. RC B'klyn. N. Y. 16.00 7164 Scout aub No. 2 Hartford, Conn 15.00 71^ Otto Hasn, RC Groreland. Cal. 15.00 7166 Fred Elm, RC French Rirer, Minn 14.00 7167 W. S. A D. B. F. No. 59 RC B'klyn, N. Y 10.00 7168 J. R. Reen. RC Portland. Ore. 10.00 7169 T. P. Merry. RC Berkeley. Cal. 10.00 Rec. No. Contributor* Amount 7170 Mrs. Roaie Poporich, RC Butte, Mont 7)71 Bob Dragan, RC Butte, Mont... 7172 Nick Balden, RC Butte, Mont. 7173 J. Varga, RC AlUance. Ohis... 7174 U. Moes, Yoakum, Tex 7i75 A. L. Kurts, San Jose, CaL.. 7176 B. of L. E., Oncko, Div., RC E. M. Chunk, Pa. 7177 E. D. Baker, RC Niagara Falls, N. Y 7178 A. L. HeiuH RC Fairoaks, Cal. 7179 C. Bishop, RC Fairoaks, Cal... 7180 F. S. R. Br., Hartford. Conn. 7181 Central Labor Council ,Tacoma, Wash 7182 M. Tuber, RC Hartford, Conn. 7183 Wm. A. Turner, RC Hartford, Conn 7184 F. S. R. Br., Brainerd, Minn. 7185 F. Mandxiak, RC FaU River, 7186 Ru#. Dramatic Soc., Boston, Mass. 7187 A. Mslushenko, RC Honolulu, Hawaii 7188 Rua. Dramatic Club, Haverhill, Mass. 7189 S. Dolghy, RC San Frandscs. Cal 7190 M. Veremechuk, RC Wioipeg, Can 7191 W. Makovesky, RC Cortland, N. Y 7192 F. Novikoflf, RC Yorkton, Can. 7193 J. Yanos, RC Manchester, N.H. 7194 Sam Malt, N. Y. C 7195 A. R. Zeitlin. Chicago. Ill 7196 F. S. R. Br.. Los Angeles, Cal. 7197 F. Dell. Croton-On-Hudson, N.Y. 7198 B. Marie Gage Dell, Crotoa-On- Hudson, N. Y 7199 F. Lesko. RC Harlan, Ky 7200 F. S. R. Br., Schenectady. N. Y. 7201 J. P. Roy, RC Portland, Ore. 7202 W. S. & D. B. F. No. 19. W. Hoboken. N. J 7203 R. A. Huebner. Springfield, Ohio 7204 S. Damley. Nelsonville. Ohio.. 7205 A. Mencke. RC Cleveland. Ohio 7206 F. Yoshsnis, RC Ml Qemens. Mich 7207 C. Christensen, Rutherford. N.J. 7208 W. C. Richardson. Bklyn. N. Y. 7209 M. H. Barber, Auscadcro. Cal. 7210 M. Broido. Pittabnrg. Pa 7211 Simon Jalonen. Newton. Mass. 7212 R. MaUen 7213 J. Chlnel. RC Hopkins. Minn. 7214 Helen Barilett. Chicago, III... 7215 J. B. Applebaum. RC N. Y. C. 7216 Dr. J. E. North. Rock Rapids. Iowa 7217 Rose Kotyxn, B uyn, N. Y 7218 Frank Green, Cincinnati, Ohi:» 7219 Walter Hodgkins. RC Gloucester. Mass 7220 J. C. Sanders. St. Joseph, Mo. 7221 A. Shahen. RC Cowganda, Ont.. Can 7222 P. Puumala. RC Mac Duff. Ont.. Can 7223 Finnish Worker* Club. Tacoma, Waah 7224 Mrs. M. Frey. *N. Y. C 7225 J. Berwald. Davenport. Iowa.. 7226 H. M. Sahl. Denver, Col 7227 Ben Williams, Butte. Mont.... 7228 L. C. Valore. E. Akr:>n. Ohio 7299 Haxel Sandford, Angola. N. Y. 7230 B. Richter, Portland, Ore 7231 C. W. Robinson. B'klvn. N. Y. 7232 F. S. R. Br., .Philadelphia , Pa. 7233 F. S. R. Br.. EHxabeih. N. J. 7234 J. J. Masten, Guthrie, Ky.... 7235 M. R. Nowak, RC Creighton. Pa 7236 H. MicheUe. RC Gary, Ind... 7237 A. T. W. of A.. N. Y. C 7238 P. J. Blieka. Easton. Ps 7239 W. H. Rochl, RC Alhambra. Cal 7240 S. Fichem. RC B'klyn., N. Y. 7241 J. Holod. RC FaU River. Mass. 7242 A. H. Heller, liondoras. C. A. 7243 A. Mier. RC Highland Park. Mich 7244 Carl Brodaky, HC N. Y. C. .. 10.00 lO.OU 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 5.00 129.18 61.90 5.00 .50 36.25 5.25 200.00 66.00 50.00 42.53 28.25 19.25 12.00 7.85 1.00 2.50 1,500.00 100.00 100.00 51.00 65.00 25.00 24.00 20.00 20.00 20.00 11.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 10.00 9.00 7.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 5.00 4.00 2.00 21.12 12.48 30.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 2.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 1.00 341.14 117.16 46.25 40.10 28.50 11.50 10.65 10.50 9.75 5.50 10.00 4.50 7.00 'Rec. No, Contributors Amount 7245 C. W. Adams, Harbor Springs, Mich 1.00 7246 F. S. R. Br., Chicago, 111... 1000.00 7247 F. S. R. Br., Brockton, Mass. 200.00 7248 John Raamussen, RC Tacoma, Wash. ..'. 76.00 7249 Matt Mattaon. RC Hurley, Wis. 60.00 7250 S. I. M. S., Dorchester, Mass. 50.00 7251 S. Chapko, RC WaleroUet, N.Y. 7.00 7252 Joseph O'Dea. RC N. Y. C... 5.00 7253 Anonymous, Passaic, N. J 2.00 7254 E. Carr, RC PortUnd, Ore... 2.00 7235 £. Mttller, RC Ausbury Park, N. J 1.00 7256 Oscar Sjolin, RC N. Y. C.... 1.00 7257 Vera Buch, RC Dover, N. J... 1.00 7258 Butchers Union No. 174, N. Y. C 30.50 7259 Mrs. E. H. Wolf, OncinnaU, O. 1.00 7260 H. H. Bachelder, DanviUe, Dl. 1.00 7261 Max Elkind. RC B'klyn,, N. Y. 7.00 7262 Paul Raanak. N. Y. C 5.00 7263 R. Distefano. RC B'klyn.. N. Y. • 2.00 7264 C. En«, RC B'klyn., N. Y 15.00 7265 M. C. Salter, Kalamazoo, Mich. 1.00 7266 Mrs. Alena Schnctte. RC St. Louis, Mo 20.00 7267 Kathleen Dighton. N. Y. C... 1.00 7268 Ernst Backroan. N. Y. C. 1.00 7269 A. Woytuk, RC Brooklyn. N. Y. 2.00 7270 Z. Wechloluk. RC NanUcoke. Pa 4.00 7271 M. Teplftxky. RC N. Y. C... 2.00 7272 A Friend. N. Y. C 2.00 7273 S. Golovatuk, AC N. Y. C .. 15.50 7274 John Gauland. N. Y. C 3.00 7275 F. S. R. Branch. Hudson Co., N. J. 112.24 7276 Cancelled. Issued by mistake. 7277 Morris Saltxman. N. Y. C. ... 1.00 7278 Albin A. Hellstrom, RC San FranciMo, Cal 41.00 7279 F. Snajanen. RC W. Concord. N. H 33.00 7280 Robert Schuster, RC N. Y. C. 27.00 7281 L. W. Myers, RC Rupert. Idaho 26.00 7282 M. W. Hoar. Troy. Idaho.... 25.00 7283 L. Collins Stone, N. Y. C 25.00 7284 Mr. & Mrs. Hinfon White, Cambridge. Mass 25.00 7285 H. B. HciTman. N. Y. C 25.00 72S6 Julius Meyer, RC San Francisco, Cal 23i)0 7287 P. Kilaspa, RC San Francisco, Cal 22.00 7288 F. S. R. Br., Beech Creek, Ky. 20.00 7289 A. W. Saarmann, West Burling- ton, Iowa 20.00 7290 Goldman FamUy Society, RC N. Y. C 20.00 7291 M. Vidokovich. RC Zeigler, HI. 19.09 7292 B. of L. E. Div. 494. RC, Min. neapolis, Minn 18.00 7293 Mathew Minkus, RC Los An- geles. Cal 17.09 7294 G. Nyford. RC Eveleth. Minn. 16.00 7295 Julius Kaufer. RC N. Y. C. .. 16.00 7296 C. H. Undner. RC Rochester, Pa 12,09 7297 W. Dedeluk, RC Minneapolis. Minn 12.06 7298 Morris Wdnstein. RC Detroit, Mich 12.00 7299 Mt. Hollywood Cong. Church, Los Angeles. Cal 11.00 7300 Sarah Gregson. Spero. N. C... 3.09 7301 W. J. Gregson. Spero, N. C... 10 09 7302 L. H. Bnmes. RC Buffalo. N.Y. 7.50 7303 J. J. Jansen. Menands. N. Y. 10.00 7304 Mrs. Ellen R. Naggle. Wesley- ville. Pa. 10.00 7305 N. Y. VegetarUn Society. N.Y. 10.00 7306 F. A. Newman, Fern Ridge. B. C, Can 10.00 7307 M. Eleftherakit, RC N. Y... 10.00 7308 M. C. Renter. Chicago. Ill 10.99 7309 Dr. Wm. Goldman. Bklyn, N. Y. 10.09 7310 Andrew J. MacDonald, RC Flat River. Mo 7.00 7311 Mrs. R. E. Tyle»-. Kiowa. Kans. 5.00 7312 S. Ghinsberg. Oakland. CaL.. 5 09 7313 C. W. Morhoose. B'klyn. N.Y. sioO 7314 D & S Trimming Co.. N.Y.C. 5.00 7315 J. Rabinowltx, Phila.. Pa 5.00 7316 J. Campbell. Ssn Diego. CaL 5.00 7317 Sol Werner, Bidyn. N. Y.... 5.00 7318 Chas. Thieman, San Diego, Cal. 5.00 7319 Dr. Alexander Swett. B'klyn. N. Y 5.00 7320 Geo. A. HkT, Cuba. IlL.... 3.00 Digitized by LnOOQlC May 1, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 247 Rte, S»- Contributors Amount 7321 Dr. Looii Long. RC N. Y. C. 3.00 7322 C. L. Clumbcra, Eagle Creek, Ore 2.00 7323 £. H. Wolf, anciniuti, Ohio 2.00 7324 I. B. Hirnruo, Akron, Ohio.... 2.00 7325 Samuel B. Feinberg. N. Y. C. 2.00 7326 H. Roaenbaum. B'klyn. N. Y. 1.00 7327 Mr. A Mr*. M. Ischcn, Bklyn, N. Y l.gO 7328 J. Turnanaky, N. Y. C. 1.00 7329 Mr. F. Rautoaala. RC Sicamooa, B. C, Can 57.40 7330 F. S. R. Branch, Racine. Wis. 32.48 7331 D. Rynkewics. Holyoke. Maaa.. 25.64 7332 Knut StaUnd, RC, Miaaaula, Mont 18.50 7333 Gnat N. Dalberg. RC, MiaaouU, Mont 14.50 7334 Ceo. Houroweta, RC, Fall River. M«M 13.80 7335 J. V. Palmeri, RC, N. Y. C. 13.35 7336 Bemet Roming, RC, Holberg, B. C, Can 12.50 7337 Alf. Snickera, RC, Albom, Minn 11.55 7338 Andre Montrone. N. Y. C 11.50 7339 Uberty Window GUsa Workers Local, Clarkabnrg. W. Va 9 40 7340 John Sercl, RC, VaUer. HI. 8.85 7341 Samaritan Home, RC, N. Y. C. 8.65 7342 Eva Shamberg. Pittsborg, Pa... 7.50 7343 D. Artyauk, RC, Pasaaic. N. J. 8.60 7344 Arthur C. Stanlit, RC, Chicago, m : 7.20 7345 Maoa Tyback, RC, Saginaw, Minn 4.00 7346 Msrgan Casein, RC, Park Bluff. Saak. Can 23.ri4 7347 J. Kalinen. AC, Nootka. B. C. Can 20.16 7348 T. A. Barnard, RC, Nanaimo. B. C, Can 12.96 7349 A. Wakefield, RC, Holberg. B., C. Can 4.80 7350 Tom Slenaon. Dog Creek, B. C, Can 4.80 7351 Heath Munn, Roaaland, B. C, Can 96 7352 T. Norwich, Frankfort Heights, ni 10.00 7353 Alvin Huff, RC, Easton, Pa. 5.75 • 7354 Students of N. Y. State Agri- •oltural School. FarmingdaJe, N. Y 5.50 7355 Dean Tann.. Meta.. Cal 4.75 7356 O. M. Sonthworth. Benton Har> h^r. Mich 2.50 7357 Dan Parry. Fallon. Ner 2.50 7358 C. F. Tschannen. Wallace. Ida. 3.00 7359 Henry Brown, Honaton, Tex. l.OO 7360 J. M. Sinclair, W. VancouTer. Can 10.00 7361 F. S. R. Branch, Muskegon, Mich 500.00 7362 Alex. Halone, Therm opolis, Wyo 50.00 7363 Herman Hnaman, RC, Minneapo> lb. Minn 30.00 7364 Quo Vadis S. S. Class. Topeka, Kan 15.00 7365 C. I. Pasaorer, Denrer. Col... 10.00 7366 M. Coniglio. Ft. Worth. Tex. 2.50 7367 F. Feckaa, San Dle^o, Cal... .50 7368 A. W. Danashcw, RC Mamaro* neck. N. Y 66,00 7369 C Moiley, RC VancouTcr, B. B., Can 37.00 7370 Peter Hurba,. RC Chicago. III. 27.00 7371 S. Fnrlett, RC Sydney, NS, Can 16.00 7372 W. Ocowdnik. RC Ripubln. Pa. 16.00 7373 N. Hilko, RC Melrose Park HI. 15.00 7374 S. Vogel, RC Detroit, Mich... 10.00 7375 John Pedojuk, River Herbeft. NS. Can 10.00 7376 John Loboda, South Porcupine. Onl., Can 5.00 7377 Albert Schneider, Diamond. Pa. 5.00 7378 W. Owcxynikow. Akron, Ohio.. 3.00 7379 Temofey Astaplnk, N. B. Can. 2.00 7380 Nick Braneaky. Max. N. Dak... 1.00 7381 F. Branesky. Yen Hook. N. Dak. 5.00 7382 P. Kamensky. RC Steubenville. Ohio 76.90 7383 Ignatx Oaaulenko, Plains. Pa... 46.76 7384 Joe H. Barberich. RC So. Omaha, Neb 20.50 7385 W. Crachnk. RC Cmmlynnfr. Pa. 20.25 7386 W. Yonko. RC Harttihom.-. Okla. 14.55 Rec. No. Contributors Amount 7387 M. PrsUako, RC Akron, Ohio 13.75 7388 J. Wolf, RC E. Chicago, Ind... 13.00 7389 S. Suirochik, RC Montreal, Can. 11.75 7390 G. Sunderoff, RC Milwaukee, Wis 4.25 7391 F. S. R. Branch, Chicago, III. 1000.00 7392 F. S. R. Branch, San Franciaco, Cal 100.00 7393 J. Randwer, Coll.. Irma. Wis. 41.00 7394 Rex T. Stout, RC N. Y. C. ... 33.00 7395 Finnish Worklngmen's Assn., Lanesrille, Maas 32.00 7396 Nels New^n, RC Madrid, Iowa 30.00 7397 A I Bushwick. RC N .Y. C 20.00 7398 F. S. R. Br., Minneapolis, Minn. 20.00 7399 Mr. & Mrs. Ervin B. Grubb, Liberty. Ill 15.00 7400 Commercial Photographers Aasn., San Francisco. Cal 15.00 7401 F. S. R. Branch. N. Y. C 715.00 7402 S. Brundage. HC N. Y. C 11.00 74a3 Mrs. Minnie Van Nappen, Nilea, Mich 10.00 7404 Chas. Neuner, Springfield. 111. 10.00 7405 D. M. I. Kane, RC U Grange. Ill 10.00 7406 Snake River Public Hall Co., Chasaell, Mich. 9.00 7407 K. Hamalainen, RC Grand Rapids. Mich 9.00 7408 Mrs. P. P. Haugen. Coll.. Little Woody, Sas. Can 6.00 7409 E. P.' Sundberg. RC Portland, Ore 5.00 7410 E. J. Hammond, RC Portland, Ore 5.00 7411 P.J. Dowhan, RC, Detroit. Mich. 5.00 7412 OtUIia Schriver. St. Peters- burg. Fla 5.00 7413 E. B. Chaffee, RC, N. Y 5.00 7414 Wade Shurtleff. RC, Cleveland, Ohio 5.00 7415 D. J. Baren, Gardner, N. D. 5.00 7416 Aage Moller. RC, Dannenbrog. • Neb 5.00 7417 Gus Schmid, RC, fi. Y 5.00 7418 H. W. Benin. RC, Springdale. Pa ; 4.00 7419 J. A. Bankson A family. RC, Sioux Falls. S. D 3.00 7420 Bryaon. Jas., RC, Nelson. N. Y. 3.00* 7421 Mrs. R. L. Schlesinger, RC, Far Rockaway, N. Y. 3.00 7422 Emily M.Roaenstein, RC, Bklyn, N. Y 3.00 7423 G. P. Turner, Oklahoma City, Okla 2.00 7424 Louis Paulding. Dea Moines, la. 2.00 7425 C. H. Becker, Ft. Wayne, Ind. 2.00 7426 Chas. McCoy, Ft. Wayne, Ind. 1.00 7427 Max Lench. RC, Bklyn. N. Y. 1.00 7428 F. S. R. Branch. W. Frankfort, 111 279.20 7429 F. S. R. Branch, RC, Mlnnea. polia, Minn 102.16 7430 Chaa. Carlson. RC, Port Neville. B. C 76.50 7431 Ny Tid, RC, Chicago, 111 41.25 7432 Van Der WaU. Fairhope. Ala. 3.00 7433 Henry Crawford. Fairhope. Ala. 2.00 7434 R. Sahlitz. Boston. Mass. ..... 30.34 7435 S.F. Newman. RC, Bklyn, N. Y. 30.02 ?436 Olam KcMionen, RC, Toimf, Minn 24.25 7437 National Croa. Soc. RC, Pitts- burgh. Pa 45.50 7438 F. S. R. Branch. Duluth. Minn. 24.16 7439 Victor Korppaa, Herbater. Wia. RC 21.10 7440 Coll. Daniel Pylk Kanen. Bab- bill. Minn 18.50 7441 Wm. H. McNulty, RC, Somer- ville. Maaa 10.50 7442 Leonard Kippe. RC, Green. Mich 7.75 7443 R. Dybeogh, RC, San Francisco. Cal 6.25 7444 Jacob Chideke, Chicago, III... 3.75 7445 Samuel S. Kata, Perth Amboy. N. J 3.75 7446 Marguarite McNally. RC, Rock Island, III 1.50 Rec. iSo. Contributors Amount 7447 Gracl Baron, RC, Minneapolis, Minn. l*3i 7448 Geo. H. Kohls, RC, Pembroke, Ont., Can 20.25 7449 S. B. Ueberman, RC, Pitta- burgh, Pa 12.80 7450 John MacDonald, RC, Pendar Harbor. B. C. Can 12.00 7431 Tom Pctrusoff, Cleveland, Ohi« 2.00 7452 Tom Todeff. Cleveland, Ohio.. 1.00 7iS3 P. Karvan. Cleveland, Ohio 1.00 7434 A. Pavlovich. CleveUnd, Ohio 2.00 7455 Thoa. Gusdanoviu, Uat, Clevo- land, Ohio 200.00 7456 Steve Halambeck, Qeveland, O. 10.00 7457 Frank KiveU, Qeveland. Ohio. 5.00 7468 Ed. G. Nix, HunUngton, Ind. 1.00 7459 W. T. Whitmore, Huntington, Ind 1.00 7460 Mr. Stout, Huntington, Ind.... 1.00 7461 S. E. Coble, Huntington, Ind... 2.00 7462 G. F. Steller, Huntington, Ind. 1.00 7463 R. S. Berlin, Kouts. Ind 5.00 7464 W. J. Conarty, Hammond, Ind. 5.00 7465 V. Hlavaty, Us, New Badea, ni. 72.00 7466 F. Hall, RC Klngfield, Me.... 52.75 7467 Julius OUon, Ogden, Utah .. 400.00 7468 S. H. Colwick, Enid, Okla.... 2.00 7469 Fred E. Stevcna, RC LoulavUle, Ky 8J6 7470 S. S. J. Oaaasto, Milford. N.H. 25.00 7471 H. B. Cooper. List. Balhon Heights. Canal Zone 20.00 7472 Dr. Sidney B. Levy, N. Y. C. 10.00 7473 Alice P. Silverman. San Fran- ciaco. Cal 10.00 7474 David Chernick. N. Y. C 10.00 7475 Agnes E. Andrews. Lynn. Maaa. 10.00 7476 Coll Olgo Krause. E. Everett. Mass 6.00 7477 Abraham Mailowsky. Pedro Mi- guel. Canal Zone. Panama 5.00 7478 G. M. Parkinson. KC Berkeley, Cal 5.00 7479 G. Tcichman. RC B'klyn. N. Y. 3.00 7480 Ben Levy. B'klyn, N. Y 5.00 7481 T. B. Hinton, Caldwell, N. J... 2.00 7482 Andrew Heidt, RC Rico. CaL 2.00 7483 W. W. Comas, Sacramento, Cal. 2.00 7484 W. Weinstein, N. Y. C 2.00 7585 E. L. Sargent. Boston, Maaa. 1.00 7486 Jack Ferguson. Challis, Idaha 1.00 7487 E. Y. Pariaian, RC Gary, Ind. 5.75 7488 W. S. & D. B. F. No. 18, N. Y. C 5.25 7489 H. E. McDade, Hageraiown, Md. 3.00 7490 The Althruisi. Hagertown, Md. 1.50 7491 F. S. R. Branch. Chicago. III. 1000.00 7492 Samuel R. Stweart. Clay Cen- ter, Kansas liO.OO 7493 Geo. SuUla, RC Lorain, Ohio. 46.08 7494 Mra. Joe. Melin. Grandy, Minn. 22.00 7495 G. Prrsaon, RC Seattle. Waah. 20.00 7496 O. W. Firkins, Minenapolis, Minn 15.00 7497 T. Mikulok. RC So. Bond. Ind. 12.00 7498 Rebecca M. Shiproan, Southern Pines. N. C 10.00 7499 N. Zhuck. Youngatown. Ohio.. 10.00 7500 Mrs. A. H. Dennett. RC Rick- nail. Ore 10.00 7501 Women's Section. F. S. R, Trenton. N. J 20.00 7502 J. P. Grim, RC Kelso, Wash. 5.00 7503 Ben Levinson, RC Chicago. 111. 2.00 7504 J. A. Robinson, Tampa. Fla... 2.00 7505 L. Drapela, RC Mill Oty. Ore. 2.00 7506 L. A. Schepp, RC Eaat Liver- pool, Ohio 1.00 7507 Anonymous, ftC, Brooklins, Mass 1.00 7508 F. Londenslagger, RC Chicago, 111 1.00 7509 J. Petscher, RC Otlsville. N. Y. 1.00 7510 Joe Monek. RC N. Y. C 14.00 7511 Victor Werany, B'klyn. N. Y. 1.00 7512 August Werany. B'klyn. N. Y. 1.00 7513 Mrs. Mary Mouldo. RC Chicago. ni 1.00 7524 Anonymous, N. Y. C 1.90 7515 F. R. & Sylvester Grammich. RC B'klyn, N. Y l.OO 7516 Carl Chellander, RC Tnrlock. Cal 5.00 7517 Chas. Lutjen. RC Bklyn. N. Y. 5.00 7518 Steven Szabo, RC N. Y. C. ... S.OO 7519 Walter Cox, RC Butte, Mont... S.OO 7520 John J. Donahue, RC N. Y. C. 2.00 Digitized by Google mr 243 SOVIET RUSSIA May 1. 1922. Rte.No, Contributors Amtmau 7S21 Fannie Moore. RC N. r. C... 1.00 7523 Raphael Lebreecu. RC N. Y. C 1.00 7523 Simon Zutowskr. RC N. Y. C. 1.00 7524 Tho«. M. Pieraoo. RC Central Sq., N. Y 1.00 7525 Aosrymoua, Franklin Parle, DL 1.00 7526 C. KJaUnc. RC Glendale. N. Y. 1.00 7527 Frank M. Sigward. RC Ifaapeth. L. 1 1.00 7528 S. A., Pfuhl, PhiU., Pa JO 7529 Iirnac Smarkuckjn, RC Lonia, Ohio 10.00 7530 A. Kroll. RC Seadde Park. NJ. S.OO 7531 J. Horn. RC Maapeth. L. I... 4.00 7532 J. W. Osterbolm. RC Grace, Mont S.00 7533 Sol Abraham*. RC N. Y. C... 1.00 7534 Mra. Solma Nelaon. RC N. Ea- Canada. MJcb 1.00 7535 V. Furxa. RC N. Y. C 4.50 7536 John XfaiJPT. N. Y. C 8.00 7537 J. L. Haiijpiwont. RC Browne* tille, Te» 1.00 7538 Eva Sivi*n. San Francisco. Cal. S.OO 7539 Salo Bonanno, RC N. Y. C... 13.00 Aec. No, Comiribuiora 7540 S. Antalnk. RC N. Y. C 10.50 7S41 J. W. Weynooth. RC Taeame, Waah 10.00 7543 Henry De Ridder, N. Y. C S.OO 7543 Mas Freund» RC B'klyn. N. Y. 1.35 7544 Mr. H. Waaeermea, RC Brook- lyn. N. Y 9.00 7545 Unenployed. Freeport. N. Y... 1.00 7546 AuE. J. Gleiaaaer, RC Brook- lyn, N. Y 1.00 7547 5. Sahanan. RC BUyn. N. Y. 1.00 7548 Chaa. Schant. RC SandnalrT. 0. 1.00 7549 N. C. Walker, Arroyo orandeeo. Cal 1.00 7550 T. Oakly. RC Hitenua. la..... moo 7551 Art WacchtlCT, Racine. Wla... 1.00 7552 Edwin A. iFedderaen, RC Elm. burat. N. Y 1.00 7553 John P. Hpdderaon, RC Elm- burat. N. Y: i.oa 7554 Caroline Fedde..un, RC Elm- hur«t. N. Y 1.00 7555 Nat Kaplan. N. Y. C 11.30 7556 W. T. Sanl. RC Pittaburg. Pa. 1.00 7557 R. A. Knoff, RC Pittabnrf, Pa. 1.00 Jlec. No, C o mtri h ut or$ 7558 N. Stelaberg. JtC N. Y. C ... ,96 7559^ T. Stelfferwftld, RC Saa Diege, Cal. 4.00 7560 C. Wyaowaki. RC Elmire, N. Y. 5.00 7561 Ray F. Netbawa>, Wahoo, Neb. 5.00 7563 Mra. Florence Spring, Loa As- gelee. Cal 8.00 7563 Tytna Skaiager, RC Norwood, Maae. 5.00 7564 A. C. Walden. RC Troy, 111... 4.00 7565 J. U Neill. Loa Angelea. Cal.. 1.00 7566 Anna Horowitx. N. Y. C 1.00 7567 Union of Ruaalaa Qtiaens, Lieta, B'klyn, N. Y 28.00 7568 Union of Ruaoiaa QtiBana., RC So, B'klyn, N. Y 68.00 7569 Tillie Engel. N. Y. C 1.00 7570 F. S. R. Br., MUwaukee, Wie. 188.73 TOTAL 143,716.80 Toul ReceipU from Appeal to Reaaoa «p to April 30 will be indnded in aezt lepert. Digitized by QoogIe_ May, 15, 1922 MftY \^mi Fifteen Cents SOVIET RUSSIA Semi-Monthly Official Organ of the Friends of Soviet Russia CHICHERIN — ■ - — D-rgitizechb^r Google SOVIET RUSSIA Vol. VI. May 15. 1*^22 No. 9 luued Twice • Month at 201 Went 13th St.. New York. Edited and Published by Jacob Witlmer Harlmann. SubacripUon Rate: $2.50 per annn«. Epfercd as •ccood clasa matter January 29. 1921, at the Poat Office at New York. N. Y., under the Act of March 3. 1879. TABLE OF CONTENTS Pace Defamers of Soviet Russia, hy L. Trotsky 250 Sadoul and the Soviet Government 251 The Cheka, by Andre Morizet 252 Abolishing the Extraordinary Commission 254 Underground Russia, by Stepniak 255 Russian Trade Realities, by A. A, Heller 259 Pace How the Soviet Government Works (VT. Town Soviets) 261 Editorials ,. ... 264 Art Tendencies in Russia, by Jacques Mesnil., 266 Russia : Area and Population 271 International Tool Collection 273 Relief Contributions, April 16-30 274 The Defamers of Soviet Russia By L. Trotsky The following letter by L. Trotsky is a preface to a book by A. Morizet on Soviet Russia^ which has just been published in Paris: of the Soviet Republic in the military field. They were extremely skeptical with regard to these efforts. I do not doubt that their reports to Paris always ended with the inevitable inference: nothing will come of the whole business. These uniformed petty bourgeois saw in the Revolution only de- struction, cruelty, disorder, chaos. To be sure, all these things are contained in the Revolution. But the Revolution is also something more than that: it awakens the backward millions of the people to life, it endows ihem with great politcal aims, it opens for them new paths, it invigorates their latent energy. It thus is a performer of miracles. It should not be necessary to point these things out to a people whose past includes the achieve- ment of the Great Revolution. In the last few years I have frequently cherished the thought of going through the British news- paper press at the time of the great French Revolu- tion, of studying the speeches of the ministers of that day and their political lackeys, of the Clemen- ceaus and Herves of that time, merely in order to draw up a sober parallel between the reactionary calumnies uttered by ruling England at the end of the 18th century and the calumnies which the Temps and those that babble in its train have cir- culated in recent years concerning Soviet Russia. I regret to say that I have thus far not had the time to do this work. But 1 am certain that there would be remarkable coincidences. The radical English contemporaries of Robespierre no doubt pointed out the then perfectly justified analogies with the English Revolution in the 17th century. And this would inevitably release the protests of the honor- able British reactionary historians who would shout: 'The English Revolution in spite of its 'excesses' was a magnificent event; but the French terror is merely a mutiny by an ignorant and bloodthirsty rabble." Furthermore, reaction is not very ingenious, not very inventive, however mali- cious it may be. The semi-official French calumny of the Soviet Revolution, in addition to all its other Dear Comrade Morizet: I was really glad to learn that you are pre- paring a book on Soviet Russia for the press. You visited Russia as a friend. You were enabled to see everything that was worthy of your attention. You are serving the cause of the French and the world proletariat. As a consequence, you can be guided only by the desire to tell the truth about the first Workers' Republic to the working masses. But this desire is the most important and the most valuable thing in the world. You know even better than 1 how much has been lied about Russia. The capitalist and Sbcial- Democratic lies about Russia may be divided into two categories. To the first belong the products of a malicious and self-seeking imagination: stories of the banquets of Soviet dignitaries, of their mutual- ly arresting each other, of artillerymen "national- izing" the bourgeois women, etc., etc., etc. These lies are all full of self-contradictions, are mono- tonous and stupid. Only the most backward wives of footmen and lackeys and a few Ministers of State believe them. To the second category of lies belong the pictures that have been assembled from individual true elements. These are lies on a high- er plane. Their domain is larger, their sources more plentiful. Evil intentions, equipped with photographic cameras, can take a number of views of the life of present day Russia, which, when put together, may afford genuine delight to any re- actionary bourgeois. The Revolution is a destruc- tion in the name of a new creation. Only he can understand the Revolution, in its sublime as well as in its gloomy sides, who is able to trace its internal inevitability, the struggle of its living forces, the logical sequence of its stages. I do not mean to say that the Revolution is infallible. But one must be able to apply a large historical yard- stick in order to understand its work and its errors. When we approached the task of creating an army, there were still quite a number of French officers in Russia. They witnessed the first efforts Digitized by Google May 15, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA Ml sins, is a literary plagiarism, a wretched theft of ideas from Pitt's literary hirelings. Merrheim* and the other French "leaders" refer with particular delight to our difficulties in the eco- nomic field. At present they point out with mali- cious glee that we are returning to capitalism. Their joy in our discomfiture, their jubilant gloat- ing, are premature. The Soviet Republic social- ized the banks, the industrial enterprises, the land. To return all these things to the former owners would require a previous unseating and slaying of the Revolution. But we are further removed from this condition than ever. You may say with full truth to the French proletariat that we are not giving up the Revolution, but it is quite true that we have changed our methods of socialistic con- struction. We maintain the enterprises in the hands of the working class, but we are applying methods of capitalistic calculation and marketing, in order to test their profitableness. It will not be possible, until we reach an incomparably higher stage in socialistic evolution, to conduct all the enterprises from a single center and to distribute the necessary workers and resources to them on the basis of a previously determined national plan. The present period is of preparatory character; the market remains. The nationalized industrial en- terprises have an independent life within certain limits; they buy and sell, and thus create the bases for a future unified socialistic economic plan. Thus we are simultaneously granting capitalistic con- cessions to certain enterprises. The economic back- wardness of Russia and its inexhaustible natural resources afford a wide scope for the application of concessioned capital. The State retains in its hands the means of transportation and the most important industrial enterprises. We therefore admit a certain competition between the purely capitalistic concessioned enterprises and the homo- geneous enterprises of the socialistic state, in which the latter have unquestionably the upper hand. The whole question is in the balance of power. The reformists at one time thought that the co- operatives would gradually absorb capitalism. So long as the bourgeoisie, defending private property in the means of production, remains in power, this hope will be a mere Utopia. As for Russia, we may say that as long as the working class maintains its power and as long as the State has the fundamental industries in. its hands, the "im- perceptible and smooth" reconstruction of capital- ism, with the aid of concessions, is hardly, more capable of realization than the transformation of a capitalist order of society into the socialist order of society, with the aid of the cooperatives. We have no reason to speak of a return to capital- ism. We have only altered the methods of social- istic construction. Our experience and our results on this path will be of great use to the working class of all lands. We have learned much in these five years of revolution. But we have relinquished nothing. I think that the capitalist world, as it emerged from the hell of war and as it now lives, gives us no reason to revise our fundamental views. Capital- ism is condemned by history. The future belongs to Communism. With fraternal Communist greetings! L. Trotsky. Jacques Sadoul and the Soviet Government On February 28 the *' Petit Parisien'* (Paris) wrote that Comrade Sadoul, after having fled from Russia, took refuge in Germany, where he was bewailing the shattered dream of liberty and peace and was eagerly awaiting a general amnesty tvhich would permit him to return to France and to live in peace with his wife and children, Sadoul, who at present is on a mission, replied by sending a letter to the editor in chief of the **Petit Parisien'* of which that paper published only a few lines, but which "L'Humanite*' published in extenso: and to the very great and honest men who are tije journalists about the Russian Revolution and its great and modest servants. 1 have particularly appreciated the solicitude with which you an- nounced my repentance, a solicitude which is as generous as it is unexpected, and which deserves a reply. "I must, however, state that I firmly remain faithful to the cause for serving which the third court-martial has asked for my death. "I persist in my crime, humbly and gladly, pur- suing *my dream of liberty and human peace', tenaciously faithful to the Communist doctrine •French labor leader of the Gompers type. defending it. "My friends are still at Moscow. "You have taken pains to praise my mode of life, I am thankful to you for this; it was and is still modest and clean, like the life of all revolu- tionists; and it is to-day less austere because it has to adapt itself to the conditions of the mission with which I am charged. My mode of life is not that of the Russian comrades who voluntarily renounce a part of their food ration in order to help the starving on the Volga. And I think, with a great reproach to those who are responsible for it, that in the moment in which 1 am writing about 'my life', thousands of men, women and children are dying of starvation. Twenty million human beings are perishing or will perish by the fault of the capitalist governments who have brought about to Digitized by Google 252 SOVIET RUSSIA May 15. 1922. many disasters and who remain indifferent in the face of the consequences of their doings. Do your readers know that? Have you informed them of the terrible calvary of Russia without bread? I do not think that you have done so, or your read- ers would have already contributed to the saving of the unfortunate and starving population. "You prefer to concern yourself with my per- sonality. "You generously deplore the conflicts which have allegedly separated me from Moscow, the hatred which the dictators' have shown me. I would like to reassure completely the sensitive souls of your collaborators, and of the collaborators of the other large newspapers. I know that according to the French press I have been already fourteen times • arrested, five times shot, twice hanged, and murdered just as many times. This legend has been going the rounds for four years and I am grateful to its authors for the moments of in- nocent merriment which it has often afforded mc and my Russian friends. My preparation of a •History of the Russian Revolution' at present re- quires an intensive activity on my part, which at the same time is pleasant to me; the work to be done is enormous, but I will endeavor to render homage in its pages to Lenin, Trotsky, Chicherin, Lunacharsky, Kamenev, Rakovsky, Bukharin, Zinoviev, and to so many others who honor me with their friendship, to the large number of great Russians who gladly bear the glorious burden on their shoulders, the famished people, to the heroic Red Army, to whom I will endeavor to express my love and devotion. And this will be my reward. "Jacques Sadoul.** The Gheka By Andre Morizet The following chapter on Dictatorship and Red Terror is a portion of a book entitled **In the Land of Lenin and Trotsky — Moscow^ 192V\ written by Andre Morizet^ with a preface by Leon Trotsky^ which appears elsewhere in this issue. CiNCE the November Revolution, since the events that I have just traced, Russia, moving toward the establishment of a real Communist regime, has been living under the rule of the "Dictatorship of the Proletariat". **The Dictatorship of the Proletariat" — this is a phrase that has caused oceans of ink to flow in all the polemics that have been written on Revolu- tionary Russia. As if this were a new idea! As if Marx and Engels, when they issued the Communist Manifesto, had not already pronounced these words in 1848! As if all the parties which have declared them- selves as Marxian parties for the last sixty years had not always inscribed these words on their programs! Seriously speaking, is it possible to imagine a transition from one regime to another without a period of Provisional Government? When we are not changing only a political personnel, as in the revolutions of the past, but the very bases of the social order, as is proposed by our party, is it possible to escape understanding that a seiz- ure of power — which is what we call "revolution" — will be followed of necessity by a period of transition in which men enjoying the confidence of the victorious proletariat will exercise authority with dictatorial methods? It should be unnecessary to dis-^uss this point. I know very well that it is less the principle of dictatorship that arouses discussion — except in some anarchist circles where certain words arouse terror — than the application that is said to be made of this principle. "Red Terror" is said to reign in that country, ac- cording to our respectable press. The Bolsheviks — it it allied — ^have been drowning the country in blood. The Cheka, the terrible Cheka, is said to be committing crime after crime. And it is de- clared that in the Soviet Republic no one lives except in constant terror, under the threat of im- pending persecutions. All popular movements, even those of very short duration, even the most peaceful, have been ac- cused of cruelty. The same legend has been spread by the reactionaries concerning all of them. In 1848 it was the "soldiers of order" who were sawn to pieces between two boards, while in the Com- mune of 1871 it was the "petrol euses"; there is hardly a calumny that has not been resorted to by those who had on their consciences the June assas- sinations or the massacres of the month of May. It is hardly surprising that the Bolshevik Revo- lution should suffer the same misrepresentations as its predecessors. The Russian emigres and the conservatives of all countries have money with which to buy newspapers, and the hatred of Com- munism predisposes the imbeciles of all the world in favor of their theses. The Bolsheviks have executed people. Indeed! For four years there has been one plot after the other, insurrections and more insurrections. As each attempt at invasion was put forth, hands were stretched out from the interior to aid the White adventurers. And Russia has had to de- fend herself. In July I myself saw at the fortress of Peter and Paul, on the day when I paid a visit to this sinister place in which the Decembrists were hanged, and where so many Nihilists died in the dungeons of the "Ravelin of Alexis" — I saw soldiers leading out dozens of men that the Chda had arrested. And what of it? Digit^^zed by May 15, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 253 The question that should be put by serious minds is not merely the question as to whether blood is being shed. Blood flows in wars; it flows in any revolution. The question is to learn whether it is shed uselessly, whether the inevitable duty to de- fend one's achievements may not cover abuses, revenge, or excesses. I have come to the conviction, after having had conversations with men extremely worthy of faith, that the story of the "Red Terror" is one of the most shameful mystifications prepared by the ad- versaries of Communism, and that the Bolsheviks, in the matter of repressions as well as in other matters, have done only what was expedient and feasible with the means and the elements at their disposal. The organization created by them, the Chrezvy- chaika, or Extraordinary Commission, called for short Cheka, bears the full name of: "Extra- ordinary Commission for Combating Counter- revolution, Speculation, and Crimes Committed by Officials in the Exercise of their Functions". Its jurisdiction is therefore not limited to the suppression of plots. The Cheka collaborates actively in the work of economic reconstruction of the country. It searches for stocks of raw materials or goods that have been hidden, super- vises the observation of labor regulations, and pro- secutes unscrupulous functionaries. These duties occupy this body more and more, as the task of defending the regime decreases in importance. And it may be seen from the ex- ample that I cite in the chapter on "Electrifica- tion", that its interferences are of extraordinary value. There is an Extraordinary Commission connect- ed with the Council of People's Commissars; this is called the Ve-Cheka. There is also such a commission attached to the Soviet of each province. Each has at its head a more or less numerous presidium, which consists, in the case of the Ve-Cheka, of fifteen members, appointed in this case by the Council of People's Commissars, and in the case of the provinces by the Executive Com- mittee of the Soviet The presidium itself pronounces judgment in the cases submitted to it by the preliminary judsres.* or it refers them to the revolutionary tribunals when it is desired to give publicity to such cases. The members of the presidium are well-known militants of unquestioned reliability. The presi- dent of the Ve-Cheka, Dzerzhinsky, is an ascetic of whom it is said that when he was a prisoner in Germany he sought out the most repulsive and disagreeable tasks in the prison in order to show that it is the duty of the Communist to set an ex- ample of service wherever he may be. He is People's Commissar for the Interior, Pres- ident of the Donets Commission, and in charge of •The author here uses the French word fuses d*instruC' item, for which there is no parallel in Anfi;1o*Saxon coun- tries. The juge d'instruction in France draws up indict- ments for the courts proper. This judge has no executive function, but only the function of transmitting informa- tioii. Railroad and Water Transport, and is only titular head of the Ve-Cheka (All-Russian Extraordinary Commission). His functions in the latter position are discharged by Unschlicht, formerly a member of the Military Council of the western front, an old party militant, universally esteemed. As for the Provincial Chekas, the following figures will show how they are constituted. In 1920, a conference of their presidents and vice- presidents was held at Moscow. Of the 69 who were present, there were 45 workers, 13 peasants and 11 intellectuals. All were party members and 28 of them had already been party members tmder the Tsar. It is not among this personnel of devoted revo- lutionists that you will find the undesirable ele- ments. Unfortunately, however, the subaltern functionaries cannot be recruited quite so scrupu- lously. To be sure, there is a large proportion of Communists, but there are also those that are not Communists. We must not forget that, as Zinoviev points out jn the address delivered to the Halle Congress, before the establishment of the German Commun- ist Party, the Bolsheviks lost more than 300,000 of their number in the wars that they had to fight and that their old guard has to a great extent disappeared; that they are not numerous enough to fill all positions themselves and that they have frequently to resort to Communists of recent date, who had joined them in order to profit by tha advantages of power, or to old officials of the former regime. The fact that there are among them, among the preliminary judges, the secret agents, the employees of all ranks, certain persons capable of occasionally abusing their birthright, cannot be doubted when we remember that the Extraordinary Commission itself has frequently had dozens of its own agents shot. In spite of the inadequacy of its ranks, which is due to the general low standard of popular education, to which those abuses which have really occurred must be assigned, we could not in full justice form that opinion of the Cheka which one would hold if one should put faith in all tht fables that have been handed out. To judee by the sheets published in Europe by the Whites, one might imagine that the Bolshe- viks have shot people by hundreds of thousands from one end of Russia to the other. It is a long wav from this fiction to reality. Pierre Pascal, of whom I have already said that his splendid inteprity is as great as his critical intelligence, in 1920 published statistics on the supreme penalties imposed during the years 1918 and 1919.* *Throughout Soviet Russia," writes Pascal, '•in the course of two years of revolution, after nearly 500 counter-revolutionary plots of all kinds and 50 bands of brigands have been exposed by tht Extraordinary Commission, after the systematii campaign of murder in 1918 against the most ♦£n Russie Rouse, by Pierre Pascal, a pamphlet pnk- liahed by VHumanite in 1921. ■— ifc * - Digitized by Google 254 SOVIET RUSSIA May 15, 1922. well-known Communists,* after the attempted espionage and treason by thousands of former • policemen, army* officers, landed proprietors, with full warfare in progress both on the border and in the interior, in the midst of perpetual mortal danger to the Soviet Republic, the Extraordinary Commissions executed 9641 individuals, and the revolutionary tribunals passed less than 500 senten- ces of death, most of them being conditional sentences that were never carried out. "But, to judge the matter properly, we must consider these figures scientifically. It appears that of the 9641 persons shot by the Extraordinary Commissions, about 2600 were common law criminals, big speculators, dishonest officials, and particularly dangerous and incorrigible bandits, ihe sad remnants of a poorly organized society, more dangerous in a troubled period than at any other time, whose merciless extermination was demanded by the requirements of revolutionary order. *There remain then 7068 spies, organizers and other artive counter-revolutionaries who were shot in all the territory of Russia in the course of these two years of civil war." Of this number of executions, 5513 took place m 1918, and only 1555 in 1919. 7000 political executions in two years, while jssia was being attacked from all sides! I have tried to obtain the corresponding figures for the two years that followed, but have not been able to get anything precise. Approximate esti- mates, have been furnished me by men whom I consider worthy of confidence. The highest of these estimates would give the figure of 12,000 or 15,000 for the four years of the Revolution. Of course even this figure is cause for regret We may of course deplore that even a single in- dividual should have been shot. But if we make any pretense to impartiality, we must consider that Revolutionary Russia had but one choice, namely the choice between victory and death, and that the total population of the country is 130,000,000. To those who do not wish to make any effort to be impartial, the Bolsheviks may always reply by indicating the number of victims that were massacred by their enemies. I shall give some figures on this head in the chapter entitled "Civil War". As for my compatriots, who are too much oc- cupied in vituperations against "Red Terror", forgetting the "White Terror" which in every case far exceeded the other, I shall limit myself to re- minding them that if the Soviet Revolution shot twelve or fifteen thousand Russians in four years, the Versailles Army in 1871 laid low 34,000 Com- munards on the Paris pavement in eight days. Abolishing the Extraordinary Commission Decree of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee, of February 6, J922. TN accordance with the resolution of the Ninth "■• All-Russian Con^jress of Soviets on the reorgan- ization of the All-Russian Extraordinary Com- mission (as well as its local organs) for Com- bating Counter-revolution, speculation and crimes committed bv officials in the exercise of their func- tions, the All-Russian Central Executive Committee decrees: 1. That the All-Russian Extraordinary Com- mission and its local organs shall be abolished. 2. That the People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs shall, together with the other tasks in- dicated in parap^raph 1 of the statutes concerning the People's Commissariat for Internal Affairs, execute throughout the entire territory of the R. S. F. S. R., the following tasks: a) Suppression of open counter-revolutionary outbreaks, including banditry; b) Taking measures to prevent and combat cspionaere; c) Guarding railroads and water transports; d) Combatinqj contraband and crossing; of the borders of the Republic without appropriate per- missions; e) Executing special orders of the Presidium ♦Against Lenin and Zinoviev, against Uritsky, President of the Ve-Cheka, and Volodarsky. The two latter were killed, Lenin seriously wounded. of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee or of the Council of People's Commissars for pro- tecting revolutionary order. 3. For putting into effect these tasks there it to be formed in connection with the People's Com- missariat of the Interior a National Office, under the personal chairmanship of the People's Com- missar of Internal Affairs or of his substitute, who is to be appointed by the Council of People's Commissars, and in the provincial places there are to be political sections; in the autonomous re- publics and regions they are to be connected with the Central Executive Committee, and in the provinces with the Executive Committees of tht provinces. 4. The Political Sections connected with the Central Executive Committees of the autonomous republics and regions remain directly subordinat- ed to the National Office for Political Affairs in connection with the People's Commissariat of In- ternal Affairs, on the same principles as the other People's Commissariats and administrations of the autonomous republics and regions. 5. The Political Sections of the Central Ex- ecutive Committees of the Provinces shall act in ac- cordance with a special statute referring to them, approved by the Presidium of the All-Russian Central Executive Conmiittee. Note: Special sections and Transport Digitized by Google May 15, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 255 sections forming part of the National Office for Political Affairs and the Political Sections, conduct the struggle against crimes in the army and on the railroads according to spe- cial regulations concerning them, approved by the Presidium of the C. E. C. 6. At the direct disposal of the National Office for Political Affairs there are special army de- tachments, the size of which shall be determined by the decisions of the Council of Labor and Defence, and they are under the orders of a special staff of the troops of the National Office for Political Affairs, of the People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs, this staff being part of the National Office for Political Affairs. 7. Owing to the necessity of adopting measures for stopping the activities of those who take part in counter-revolutionary attempts, in banditism, espionage, thefts on the railways and water ways, contraband, and crossing the frontiers . without permission, the National Office for Political Affairs, the Political Sections, as well as their representa- tives in the districts have the right to undertake searches, seizures and arrests as follows: a) In the case of persons caught in the act of committing a crime, the arrests, searches or seiz- ures by agents of the National Office for Political Affairs, or of the Political Sections, may be effect- ed without a special decision of the National Office for Political Affairs, or the Political Sections, or a special order containing the approval of the Chairman of the National Office for Political Affairs, or the Political Sections within 48 hours from the time such procedure was resorted to; in all the other cases the arrest as well as the searches and seizures are admissible only upon special de- cision of the National Office for Political Affairs or the Political Sections, over the signature of their representatives, according to special orders which are issued in the manner stipulated by the instructions elaborated by the National Office for Political Affairs, and confirmed by the People's Commissariat of Justice. b) Not later than two weeks after the arrest the indictment shall be submitted to the prisoner* c) Not later than 2 months after the day ^of the arrest the National Office for Political Affairs must either free the arrested person or ask from the Presidium of the All-Russian Central Executive Committee the permission to continue the isolation of the arrested person if this is warranted by special circumstances, for a period determined by the Presidium of the All-Russian C. E. C, or it shall refer the matter to the courts. 8. All general criminal cases concerning specu- lation, offences committed during the performance of functions, and other offences which, before the publication of this decree, were in the hands of the All-Russian Cheka and its organs, shall within two weeks be transmitted to the respective Revolu- tionary Tribunals or People's Courts, and in the future all the cases concerning crimes directed against the Soviet system or representing violations of the laws of the Russian Socialist Federated Soviet Republic shall be exclusively judged by courts, either by the Revolutionary Tribunals or by the People's Courts, according to the case. 9. The People's Commissariat of Justice shall supervise the execution of articles 7 and 8. 10. The statutes concerning the powers of the People's Commissariat of Internal Affairs shall be completed in accordance with this decree. Underground Russia By Stepniak The book '^Underground Russia*' by Stepniak — now entirely out of print — appeared in 1883. The author of this epic recital of the romantic epoch of the Russian revolutionary movement — J872- 1881, was Sergius Kravchinsky — who wrote under the pen-name of '^Stepniak'*. Born in 1850, he was killed by a railway train in London, in 1895. He u>as one of the most heroic figures of thai period. In 1879 he killed Mesentsev, Police Director of Petersburg and escaped to England, where he published several books on Russia. In 1876 he organized the successful flight of Peter Kropotkin from the fortress of St. Peter and Paul. The following is one of several chapters of "Underground Russia** — each a whole in itself — which will appear in later issues. T^HE Russian Revolutionary movement was the "' result of the examples and ideas developed in Western Europe, acting upon the minds of the youth of Russia, who, owing to the condition of the country, were predisposed to accept them with the utmost favor. I have now to trace out separately the influences that determined this result, and their respective courses, as in the case of a great river, of which we know the source and the mouth, without know- ing either its precise course, or the affluents that have given it such volume. The influence of Europe is very easy to in- vestigate, its course being so simple and element- ary. The communion of ideas between Russia and Europe has never been interrupted, notwithstand- ing all the preventive measures of the censorship. Prohibited books like the works of Proudhon, Fourier, Owen, and other old Socialists, were al- ways secretly introduced into Russia, even under the ferocious and suspicious despotism of Nicholas I. But owing to the difficulty of obtaining these precious volumes, and to the language which ren- dered them inaccessible to ordinary readers, they could not directly exercise a decisive influence. There was, however, an entire band of very able writers who, inspired by the ideas of Socialism, succeeded in rendering them universally accessible. At the head of these were the most intellectual man of whom Russia can boast, Chemyshevsky, a pro- _ Digitized by Google 256 SOVIET RUSSIA May 15, 1922. found thinker and economist of wide knowledge, a novelist, a pungent polemist, who paid the penal- ty of his noble mission with a martyrdom which still continues,* Dobroliubov, a critic of genius, who died at twenty-six after having shaken all Russia with his immortal writings; Mikhailov, a professor and writer, condemned to hard labor for a speech to the students — and many, many others. Hertzcn and Ogarev, editors of the first free news- Eaper in the Russian language — ^the "Kolokol" of ondon — brought from abroad their precious tribute to this movement These were the real apostles of the new doctrine, who prepared the Sound for the modem movement, having educated e entire generation of 1870 in the principles of Socialism. With the Paris Commune, which had •uch a formidable echo throughout the whole world, Russian Socialism entered upon its belli- gerent phase, and from the study and the private gathering passed to the workshop and the village. There were many causes which determined the youth of Russia to accept so eagerly the principles of the revolutionary Socialism proclaimed by the Commune. I can merely indicate them here. The ill-fated Crimean War having ruthlessly demon- strated the rottenness of the whole Russian social edifice, it was essential to provide a remedy as expeditiously as possible. But the work of the regeneration of the country, directed by the hand of an autocratic Emperor, who wished to preserve everything: both his sacred "rights'* (the first to be abolished), and the prerogatives of the class of the nobles, in order to have their support be- cause he feared the revolution — such a work could only be imperfect, hypocritical, contradictory, an abortion. We will not .criticize it, especially as there is no need to do so, for all the newspapers, including the "Official Gazelle", now repeat in various tones what the Socialists have been so much reviled for declaring, that all the reforms of Alexander II. proved utterly inefficient, and that the famous emancipation of the serfs only changed their material condition for the worse, the terms of redemption fixed for the scrap of land bestowed upon them being onerous beyond measure. The wretched condition, every day growing worse, of the peasants, that is to say, of nine- tenths of the entire population, could not fail to cause serious concern to all those who had at heart the future of the country. It was essential to seek a remedy for this, and it may fairly be assumed that the public mind would have turned to legal and pacific means if, after having liberated the peasants from the bondaw of their lords, the Emperor Alexander II. had liberated Russia from his own bondage, bestowing upon her some kind of Constitution which would have made her the arbiter of her own destinies, or at least have afford- ed her the hope of one day becoming so. But this was precisely what he would not do on any account. Autocracy having retained all its power, •Arrested in 1862 and condemned to hard labor in the Siberian mines, he was not allowed to return to Russia vntU 1883. He died in 1889. nothing could be hoped for except from the good- will of the Emperor, and this hope went on diminishing as the years passed by. Alexander IL as a reformer stood the test only for a few years. The insurrection in Poland (1863) stifled with a ferocity known to all, was the signal for reaction, which grew more furious day by day. There was nothing to hope for in legal and pacific means. Everything must be uncomplainingly endured, or other ways of saving the country must be sought for. All those who had a heart in their breasts naturally clung to the latter course. Thus, as the reaction grew more furious, the revolutionary excitement became more manifest, and secret societies swarmed in all the principal cities. The revolver shot of Karakosov (1866), which re- sulted from that excitement, was a terrible warning to the Emperor Alexander II. But he would not understand. Nay, after 1866, the reaction re- doubled its fury. In a few months everything that still maintained a semblance of the Liberalism of the early years of the reign was swept away. It was a veritable "Danse Macabre", a veritable "White Terror'*. Influence of the First International After 1866 a man must have been either blind or hypocritical to believe in the possibility of any improvement, except by violent means. The revo- lutionary ferment visibly increased, and only a spark was wanting to change the latent aspira- tions into a general movement. As I have already said, the Paris Commune supplied it It was im- mediately after the Commune, that is to say toward the end of the year 1871, that the Society of the "Dolgushintsi" was formed at Moscow; and in 1872 the important society was organized at St Peters- burg of the "Chaikovtsy",* which had its ramifica- tions at Moscow, Kiev, Odessa, Orel, and Tagan- rog. The object of both was to carry on the Socialist and revolutionary propaganda among the workmen and peasants. I say nothing of many small bodies that were formed with the same object in the provinces, or of many isolated in- dividuals who then went forth "among the people'*, in order to carry on the propaganda. The move- ment was entirely spontaneous, and was simply the necessary result of the condition of Russia, seen under the influence of the Parisian move- ment, through the prism of the Socialist ideas disseminated by Chernyshevsky and Dobroliubov. But a most powerful current which came from abroad very soon united with this native current It was that of the International,! which, as is well known, had its own greatest development in the years immediately succeeding the Paris Commune. Here, also, two separate courses of transmission should be distinguished: the first, literary; the second, personal and inunediate. Two writers — the great Michael Bakunin, the genius of destnic- •Named after its founder, Chaikovsky, vrho thirty-six years later became one of the heads of the "White" Coun- ter-revolution of 1918. — Ed. fThe First International, founded in 1864. Digitized by Google May IS, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 257 don, the principal founder of the anarchist or federalist International, and Peter Lavrov, the dis- tinguished philosopher and writer, rendered great service to our cause with their pens; the former as the author of a book upon the Revolution, and Federalism, in which, with inimitable clearness and power, the ardent tribune and daring thinker developed his ideas upon the necessity of an im- mediate popular revolution; the latter as editor of a review, the "Vperiod" (Onward), written, for the most part, by himself with unwearied applica- tion and erudition. However divergent on certain points — Bakunin being an ardent defender of the extreme party of the International, and Lavrov being rather inclined towards the more moderate party — the two writers recognized the popular revolution as the sole means of effectively chang- ing the insufferable condition of the Russian people. But the International also had a direct influ- ence upon the Russian movement. Here I must retrace my steps for a moment, as the revolution- ary movement touches at this point the individual- ist movement of Nihilism, properly so-called, of which I spoke in my Introduction.* The struggle for the emancipation of woman having been fused with that of the right to higher education, and there being in Russia neither college nor university which would accept women as students, they re- solved to go and seek in distant countries the knowledge denied to them in their own. Switzer- land was the favorite country of these new pilgrims. From all parts of Russia — from the Volga plains; from the Caucasus; from distant Siberia — young girls of scarcely sixteen, with scanty luggage and •lender means, went forth alone into an unknown country, eager for the knowledge which alone could insure them the independence they coveted. But, on arriving in the country of their dreams, they found not only schools of medicine there, but also a great social movement of which many had no conception. And here once more the difference became apparent between the old Nihil- ism and the Socialism of the modern generation. "What is all this knowledge," the young girls asked themselves, "but a means of acquiring a more advantageous position among the privileged classes to which we already belong? Who except ourselves will derive any advantage from it; and if no one does, what is the difference between us and the swarm of bloodsuckers who live by the sweat and tears of our poor fellow-countrymen?" And the young girls deserted medicine, and be- gan to frequent the sittings of the International and to study political economy, and the works of Marx, Bakunin, Proudhon, and of all the founders of European Socialism. In a short time the city of Zurich from being a place of study was trans- formed into an immense permanent Club. Its fame •This Introduction will be printed in Soviet Russia •fter the completion of the rest of the series. This was the philosophical movement of the sixties, not to be con- fotmded with the terrorist movement of the seventies and dgfaties, often also — but rather incorrectly — called "NUuliam-. spread throughout all Russia^ and attracted to it hundreds and hundreds of persons, men and women. It was then that the Imperial Government, as a supreme precaution, issued the stupid and shameful Ukase of the year 1873, ordering all Russians, under pain of outlawry, to immediately abandon the terrible city of Zurich. The engineer was hoist with his own petard. Among the young Russians assembled tliere, plans, more or leas vague, were formed to return home in order t© carry on the Internationalist propaganda. Th£ Ukase had this effect, that, instead of returning separately in the course of several years, almost all returned at once in a body. Eagerly welcomed by their companions, they everywhere carried on the most ardent Internationalist propaganda. *'Going Among the People** Thus in the winter of 1872, in one of the hoveb in the outskirts of St. Petersburg, a number of working men gathered round Prince Peter Kropotkin, who expounded to them the principles of Socialism, and of the revolution. The rich Cossack Obukhov, though consumptive and dying, did the same upon the banks of his native Doil An officer, Leonidas Shishko, became a hand- weaver in one of the St. Petersburg manufactories, in order to carry on tKe propaganda there. Two other members of the same society — an officer, Demetrius Rogachev, who afterwards inspired so much terror, and a friend* — went into the province of Tver as sawyers, for the purpose of carrying on the propaganda there among the peasants. In the winter of 1873, as a result of information given by a landowner of the district, these two were arrested After having escaped by the aid of the peasahts from the hands of the police, they reached Moscow, in order to carry on the propaganda among the youth of that city. There they found two women who had just arrived from Zurich with the same object. Thus the two currents, the home and foreign, met each other at every point, and both led to the same result. The books said: *Thi5 hour of the destruction of the old bourgeois world has sounded. A new world, based upon the frater- nity of all men, in which there will no longer be either misery or tears, is about to arise upon its ruins. Up and be doing! All hail the Revolution, the sole means of realizing this golden ideal." The men and women who had come back from abroad inflamed the public mind with the recital of the great struggle already undertaken by the proletariat of the West; of the International and of its great promoters; of the Commune and it? martyrs; and prepared to go "among the people" with their new proselytes in order to put their ideas in practice. And both turned anxiously to those, who were few then, who had come back from the work of propaganda, to ask them what were these powerful and mysterious beings — the people — whom their fathers taught them to fear, and whom, without knowing, they already loved with all ihe impetuosity of their youthful hearts. And those appealed to, who just before had the same *The author, Stepniak, him8elf.r— Ed. Digitized by Google 258 SOVIET RUSSIA May 15, 1921 mistrust and the same apprehensions, said, over- flowing with exultation, that the terrible people were good, simple, trusting as children; that they not only did not mistrust, but welcomed them with open arms and hearts; Uiat they listened to their words with the deepest sympathy, and that old and young after a long day of toil pressed attentively around them in some dark and smoky hovel, in which, by the uncertain light of a chip of resinous wood in place of a candle, they spoke of Socialism, or read one of the few propagandist books which they had brought; that the communal assemblies were broken up when they came into the villages, as the peasants abandoned the meetings to come and listen. And after having depicted all the terrible sufiferings of these unhappy people, seen with their own eyes, heard with their own ears, they told of little signs and tokens, exaggerated perhaps by their imaginations, which showed that these people could not be so dispirited as was be- lieved, and that there were indications and rumors denoting that their patience was coming to an end, and that some great storm was felt to be approach- ing. All these numerous and powerful influences, act- ing upon the impressionable minds, so prone to enthusiasm, of the Russian youth, produced that vast movement of 1873-74 which inaugurated the new Russian revolutionary era. Nothing similar had been seen before, nor since. It was a revelation, rather than a propaganda. At first the book, or the individual, could be traced out, that had impelled such or such a person to join the movement; but after some time this became impossible. It was a powerful cry which arose no one knew where, and sununoned the ardent to the great work of the redemption of the country and of humanity. And the ardent, hearing this cry, arose, overflowing with sorrow and indignation for their past life, and abandoning home, wealth, honors, family, threw themselves into the move- ment with a joy, an enthusiasm, a faith, such as are experienced only once in a life, and when lost are never found again. I will not speak of the many, many young men and young women of the most aristocratic families, who labored for fifteen hours a day in the fac- tories, in the workshops, in the fields. Youth is always generous and ready for sacrifice. The characteristic fact was that the contagion spread, even to people in years, who had already a future clearly marked out and a position gained by the sweat of their brows; judges, doctors, officers, officials; and these were not among the least ardent Yet it was not a political movement. It rather resembled a reli^ous movement, and had all the contagious and absorbing character of one. People not only sought to attain a distinct practical ob- ject, but also to satisfy an inward sentiment of duty, an aspiration towards their own moral per- fection. But this noble movement, in contact with harsh reality, was shattered like a precious Sevres vase, struck by a heavy and dirty stone. Not that the Russian peasant had shown himself indifferent or hostile to Socialism; quite the con- trary. For a Russian peasant who has his old "obshchina" (rural commune) with the collective property of the land, and his "mir" or "gromada** (communal assembly), which exclusively controls all the communal affairs, the principles of scientific combination and federalism were only a logical and natural deduction from the institutions to which he had been accustomed for so many ages. In fact there is no country in the world where the peasantry would be so ready to accept tht principles of Federative Socialism as Russia. Some of our old Socialists — for example Bakunin— even deny the necessity for any Socialist propaganda whatever among the Russian peasants, declaring that they already possess all the fundamental ele- ments, and that, therefore if sununoned to an im- mediate revolution, it would not be other than a social revolution. But a revolution always requires a powerful organization, which can only be formed by a propaganda, either Socialist or purely revolu- tionary. As this could not be openly carried on, it was necessary to have recourse to a secret pro- paganda; and that was absolutely impossible in our villages. Every one who settles there, whethei as artisan, or as communal teacher, or clerk, is immediately under the eyes of all. He is observed, and his every movement is watched as though he were a bird in a glass cage. Then too, the peasant it absolutely incapable of keeping secret the propa- ganda in his midst. How can you expect him not to speak to his neighbor, whom he has known for so many years, of a fact so extraordinary as the reading of a book, especially when it concerns a matter which appears to him so just, good, and natural as that which the Socialist tells him about? Thus, whenever a propagandist visits any of hii friends, the news immediately spreads throughout the village, and half an hour afterwards the hovel is full of bearded peasants, who hasten to listen to the new-comer without warning either him or his host When the hovel is too little to hold all this throng, he is taken to the communal house, or into the open air, where he reads his books, and makes his speeches under the roof of heaven. It is quite evident that, with these customs, the Government would have no difficulty in hearing of the agitation which was being carried on amonff the peasants. Arrest followed arrest, thick and fast. Thirty-seven provinces were "infected" by the Socialist contagion, as a Government circular declares. The total number of the arrests was never known. In a single trial, which lasted four years, that of "the 193", they reached, according to the offi':'ial statistics, about a thousand. But legion after legion boldly descended into the lists, when, owing to the number of the fallen, the battle seemed to be slackening. The movement lasted for two years with various degrees of in- tensity. But the fact had at last to be recognized that it was like running one's head against a wall. In the year 1875 the movement changed its aspect Individual propaganda amongst the masses was Digitized by Google May 15, 1922. SbVlEt HUS SI A 259 abandoned, and in its place the so-called ^col^n- kation" (poselenia) entered the field; that is, the grouping together of an entire nucleus of propa- Smdists in a given province, or, rather^ in a given strict. In order to avoid the rocks which had wrecked the movement of the previous years, the "colonists" proceeded very cautiously, endeavoring rather to avoid observation, to make no stir, to carry on their agitation only among those peasants with whom they were thoroughly acquainted as cautious and prudent people. The colonies, being much less exposed to the chance of discovery, held their ground with varying fortunes for several years, and in part still continue, but without any result. Evidently, however, they could not do murh owin<]; to the immensity of Russia, and the neressity of deliberately restraining their own activity, even in the districts chosen. Disenchantment The trials of the agitators which took place in the years 1877 and 1878 indicated the end of this first period of revolutionary activity in Russia, and at the same time were its apotheosis. The Russian Government, wishing to follow in the steps of the second French Empire, which knew 80 well how to deal with the Red spectre, ordered that the first great trial — that of the so-called Fifty of the Society of Moscow — should be public, hop- ing that the terrified bourgeois would draw more closely around the throne and abandon their liber- al tendencies, which were already beginning to show themselves. But no. Even those who could not but consider such men as enemies were bewildered at the sight of so much self-sacrifice. 'They are saints." Such was the exclamation, repeated in a broken voice, by those who were present at this memorable trial. The monster trial of the 193 of the following year only confirmed this opinion. And, in fact, everything that is noble and sub- lime in human nature seemed concentrated in these generous young people. Inflamed, subjugated by their grand idea, they wished to sacrifice for it, not only their lives, their future, their position, but their very souls. They sought to purity them- selves from every other thought, from all personal affections, in order to be entirely, exclusively devoted to it. Rigorism was elevated into a dogma. For several years, indeed, even absolute asceti- cism was ardently maintained among the youth of both sexes. The propagandists wished nothing foi themselves. They were the purest personification of self-denial. But these beings were too ideal for the terrible struggle which was about to commence. The type of the propagandist of the first half of the last decade was religious rather than revolutionary. His faith was Socialism. His god the people. Not- withstanding all the evidence to the contrary, he firmly belicNcd that, from one day to the otiier, the revolution was about to break out, as in the Middle Ages people believed at certain periods in thfe approach of the day of judgment. Inexor- able reality struck a terrilDle blow at his enthus- iasm and faith, disclosing to him his god as he really is, and not as he had pictured him. He was ready for sacrifice as ever. But he had neither the impetuosity nor the ardor of the struggle. After the fiist disenchantment he no longer saw any hope in victory, and longed for the crown of thorns rather than that of laurel. He went forth to martyrdom with the serenity of a Christian of the early ages, and he suffered it with a calmness of mind — nay, with a certain rapture, for he knew he was suffering for his faith. He was full of love, and had no hatred for any one, not even his exr ecutioners. Such was the propagandist of 1872-1875. This type was too ideal to withstand the fierce and iro» minent conflict. It had to change or disappear, Already another was arising in its place. Upon the horizon there appeared a gloomy form, illu- minated by a light as of hell, who, with lofty bearing, and a look breathing forth hatred and defiance, made his way through the terrified rrowd to enter with a firm step upon the scene of history. It was the Terrorist Russian Trade Realities By A. A. Heller T^HE subject of Russian trade has been very ■• much befuddled by propaganda emanating from groups of emigres who wished to discredit the Soviet Government and to prevent foreign jbusinessmen from entering into dealings with it. This propaganda has assumed different forms at different times. First it was loudly asserted that no country would institute commercial relations with Soviet Russia. When this prophecy was nul- lified by the agreements signed with England and other powers there was a campaign to belittle the results of these compacts. The statement is often made that England has gained nothing from the Russian Trade Agreement Fortunately the facts about Anglo-Russian trade during 1921 are now available; and these far ts do not agree with the stories of the propagandists. Naturally Russia, a country whose industrial sys- tem is just beginning to recover from the stag- gering shork of seven years of war and blockade, has not proved an economic reservoir; but still less has she proved an economic vacuum. Russia's purchases in Great Britain during 1921 rea hed a value of 4,777,918 pounds sterling, while Russia during this period exported to Great Britain goods to the value of 1,601,116 pounds. Russia's chief imports were food, textiles and clothino^. Next. in order of value, come agricultural machines ano Digitized by Google 260 SOVIET RUSSIA May 15, 1922. SURFACE COAL MINE NEAR CHELIABINSK The terraces show the progress of the removal of coal from the surface. implements, coal, seed, drugs and chemicals, machinery and parts, binder twine and steel ropes. By far the most important item in Russi^s ex- ports is timber. Oil is second; and flax, hemp and tow come third. Among the less considerable items may be mentioned bristles, caviar, copper, manganese, potash, tobacco, pitch and tar. It is interesting to observe that the British imports of Russian goods show a striking increase after the handing down of the court decision upholding the validity of the Trade Agreement and securing Russian exports against attachment and confisca- tion. The purchases during October, November and December, 1921, amount to more than three quarters of the total. These lists of imports and exports furnish a commentary upon the present industrial prostra- tion of Russia and upon its commercial possibili- ties after it has undergone a period of rehabilita- tion. The famine in the Volga region, caused by an unprecedented drought, is, of course, respons- ible for Russia's food imports. With the intro- duction of more scientific farming methods and the rebuilding of the shattered transportation system, Russia, with its naturally rich soil and its large peasant population, should become a great food- exporting country. As soon as it is possible to repair the wanton damage inflicted upon the mines of the Donets Basin by Denikin's retreating army, Russia will not be compelled to import coal. And the insignificant quantities of minerals exported do not by any means reflert Russia's real wealth in platinum, copper, asbestos, graphite, etc. Here again production is held back by the general dis- organization of economic life. Russia is anxious to secure the co-operation of foreign capital and experience in arranging for sales of her export products. In this connection the following statement, which appeared in a re- cent issue of Russian Information and Review, the offi-^ial publication of the Russian Trade Dele- gation in London, is interesting: "For the larger branches of export and particularly those in which Russia is a regular exporter, as, for histance. in limber, flax, agricultural produce, etc^ the most advantageous procedure would be to establish special companies abroad on the limited liability basis and secure for them the assistance of foreign capital. The organization of such mixed Russian foreign companies has already been entered upon by the Commissariat for Foreign Trade. The enlistment of foreign capital en- sures that the foreign capitalist will take an active interest in the successful work- ing of such companies, and it may be expected that the sale of Russian goods through the direct medium of foreigners who are familiar with their own country and have extensive business connections will be effected on more advantageous terms than could be secured by the agencies or representatives of the Com- missariat for Foreign Trade.** Russia's trade with Great Britain has so far been chiefly carried on through the agency of Arcos, the ab- breviated name for the All-Russian Cooperative Society. The cooperative societies were an important factor in the life of Russia before the war. They were hampered in their dealings by the general shortage of goods during the period of blockade and civil war; but they experienced a notable revival after the inauguration of the new economic policy. Through their previous experi- ence they are especially well qualified for the work of securing peasant products through barter and exchange. Recently even the more remote districts of northern Siberia were opened up for trade with the help of Arcos. An expedition set out to the Kara Sea, in ships purchased for the Russian Government by Arcos, to bring back Siberian pro- duce ivhich had been accumulated and conveyed to the inlet Nachodka at the mouth of the river Ob by the Government economic departments. Arcos is a vast organization, spreading through Russia, and capable, in time, of absorbing the products even of the smallest villages. It is in close contact with the peasants; and it is largely guided by consideration of their needs in its pur- chases on the foreign market. The experience of a single village co-operative society, that of Novaya Vichuga, is interesting as showing how one of the local units of the great national organ- ization works. This society expanded its activities greatly after the introduction of the new economic policy. From a business standpoint its success was remarkable. By November the capital had increased from sixteen million to 950 million rubles. All debts had by that time been paid off. At the beginning of November seven shops and one warehouse were in use, and the membership had increased from 1500 to about 9,000. The society at first attempted to carry on its operations by barter, but the peasants preferred to deal in money. The influence of the society is increasing, and at present it can supply all the needs of the population in the region of its activity. Russia's trade with England forms only part of her commercial activities during 1921. Measured by the standard of quality England supplied 32.6 per cent of Russia's imports during the first nine months of 1921, Germany 23 per cent and America 19.3 per cent A large quantity of agricultural Digitized by Google May IS, 1922. SOVIET RUSSIA 261 and industrial tools and machinery, together with railway material, was purchased in Germany, while shoes constituted iie chief item among the imports from America. An order for 1,000 loco- motives was nlaced in Sweden, and 700 locomotives were ordered in Germany. America's trade with Soviet Russia during the first six months of 1921 compares very favorably with the rate of American sales to the same country in 1914. In 1914 American exports to European Russia, including Poland, amounted to $22,260,- 062. According to a report made public by the Department of Commerce, American goods to the value of $12,114,062 were sold to European Rus- sia, exclusive of Poland, during the first six months of 1921. In other words, despite the unsympa- thetic attitude of the American Government to- ward Russian trade, American exports to European Russia in the first half of 1921 exceeded one half of the total sales to European Russia, including Russian Poland, during 1914. The Department of Commerce report unfortunately does not diflFeren- tiate between Soviet Russia and the independent republics of Latvia, Lithuania and Esthonia. How- ever, there is every reason to believe that Soviet Russia absorbed by far the largest share of the American exports. There can be no doubt that American business- men would be greatly helped in their commercial dealings in Russia by the conclusion of a trade compact between the American and Russian gov- ernments, along the lines made familiar by the British, Italian, German and Norwegian agree- ments. According to recent judicial decisions in this state, the Soviet Government can be sued, as a result of its unrecognized status, but it cannot bring suit. It is obviously handicapped in its purchasing and selling activities by this total lack of legal protection. Following the conclusion of the Russo-British Trade Agreement the Canadian Car and Foundry Company was able to announce that it had received a two million dollar ordei for tank cars from the Russian Government It is safe to predict that American manufacturers of industrial and agricultural machinery will receive many such orders, as soon as an American-Russian trade agreement is concluded. Russian trade is certain to be cumulative in its growth. Russia must import certain things before she can produce for export on a large scale. For instance, Russia has almost unlimited timber re- sources, her forest lands covering an area of 1,300,000,000 acres. The amount oi timber which she can export is limited only by the condition of her transportation and by the number of saws and other necessary implements which can be secured. Similar considerations apply to flax and to the various precious metals in which Russia is so rich. Just now Russia's foreign purchases are dictated largely by the need of the famine and by the general lack of the simplest articles which has come as a natural result of the long years of war and blockade. FoodstuflFs, clothing and medica- ments bulk large in the list of imports. But as soon as the present crisis is surmounted Russia will be in a position to absorb a large quantity of plows, tractors, agricultural implements of all kinds, together with industrial machinery and parts. How the Soviet Government Works VI. Town Soviets The following is the sixth of a series of articles on the institutions of the Russian Soviet Government which we are reprinting from ^Russian Information and Review^\ published by the Russian Trade Delegation^ London. The first was on the All-Russian Central Executive Committee^ the second on the Council of People* s Commissars^ etc. workers where their consciousness of solidarity was highest, and where the feeling that their in- terests were sharply antagonistic to those of all other classes was most acute. Soviets could not spring up spontaneously in the Russian country- side, where the primitive conditions of agriculture themselves rendered man an individualist, difiBcult to organize, and with little political consciousness. Similarly in the smaller provincial towns, where the population consists of small farmers, shop- keepers, and their assistants, oiEce employees, and petty artisans, there was no strong coherent force amongst the mass of the workers to make their participation in the class struggle so advanced that it could produce an entirely new political organism like the Soviets. It was in large indus- trial centers — Moscow, Petrograd, Tula, Ivanovo- Voznesensk — with their compact and politically in- telligent masses of factory workers, that the need <